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

In Spears' memoir, "The Woman in Me," she wrote that she noticed a double standard in the media while dating Justin Timberlake at 18.

From Salon • Mar. 5, 2025

The suit criticized USC’s decision to keep the Wilson donation as “a deeply troubling double standard and a gross misuse of donor trust.”

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 20, 2024

“Seriously the double standard here is incredible,” posted Neera Tanden, a top White House official with the Biden administration who was an advisor to the Clinton campaign.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 16, 2024

Plus, they were all too aware of the double standard being laid down between the loggers and the tourists.

From "Mountain of Fire" by Rebecca E. F. Barone