What Is a Catch 22 Example?

Coming from the novel of the same name, a Catch-22 is a situation where one is trapped by two contradictory conditions. It's more generally used to refer to a paradox or dilemma. Example: to get a certain job, you need work experience. But to get that work experience, you need to have had a job.

What does it mean to be in a catch-22 situation?

1 : a problematic situation for which the only solution is denied by a circumstance inherent in the problem or by a rule the show-business catch-22—no work unless you have an agent, no agent unless you've worked— Mary Murphy also : the circumstance or rule that denies a solution.

How do you use catch-22 in a sentence?

Example Sentences
  1. I couldn't start my own business until I have got money, and I couldn't get the money until I start my own business, oh my God, this is the real Catch-22 situation.
  2. David is caught in a Catch-22 situation, unable to choose which way to go.
Alexander Ross

Alexander Ross

Gaming, Esports & Interactive Media Writer

Alexander Ross has covered the video game industry for a decade, writing deep dives on game design, esports tournaments, VR developments, and gaming culture.