double standard

[duhb-uhl stan-derd] / ˈdʌb əl ˈstæn dərd /

NOUN

contrasting principles

Synonyms

WEAK

contradictory standard two sets of rules

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A junior member of President Emmanuel Macron's government Wednesday criticized Clooney getting his passport despite speaking poor French, saying the move suggested a "double standard."

From Barron's • Dec. 31, 2025

Consultant gynaecologist Dr Christine Ekechi, who works in the NHS, says there's often a double standard when it comes to parents talking to their children about puberty.

From BBC • Oct. 29, 2025

Moreover, he said, the state law enforces a double standard.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 7, 2025

The League and its backers have for months argued that Sanchez’s case has laid bare a double standard in the way that command staff and rank-and-file officers are treated, which has hurt morale.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 1, 2025

That’s what I call a robot double standard.

From "A Rover's Story" by Jasmine Warga