Catch-22

A frustrating or paradoxical situation in which one is trapped by contradictory rules or conditions. A catch-22 presents a no-win scenario where one cannot escape the predicament due to its inherent self-contradictory nature. Often it involves a circular argument or set of regulations that prevents a desired outcome. The term is derived from Joseph Heller's 1961 novel of the same name, which satirized the absurdity of bureaucratic military life during World War II, emphasizing the difficulties of navigating illogical rules. The core of a catch-22 highlights the inability to address or resolve an issue, often stemming from inflexible systems.

Catch-22 meaning with examples

• She was stuck in a catch-22: she needed experience to get a job, but couldn't get experience without a job. The rigid hiring policies required years of prior experience for entry-level positions, leaving new graduates with no viable options. This frustrating cycle prevented her from entering her chosen field, despite possessing adequate academic qualifications and enthusiasm for the subject.
• The environmental project encountered a catch-22. They needed government funding to start, yet the government wouldn't provide funding until the project showed results, which it couldn't achieve without the funding. This created a frustrating deadlock that threatened to undermine the essential initiative. Finding other resources or private investment became their new challenge.
• He faced a catch-22 when trying to get his car repaired. The mechanic said the car needed the part, but the part was only available if the car had already been partially fixed. Without the car's partial repair, the part could not be acquired, nor could the car be fixed. This confusing and illogical condition frustrated his efforts.
• Many patients experience a catch-22 when trying to access mental healthcare. To receive help, they often needed to demonstrate severe distress, but demonstrating that distress could also be used against them. The system seemed designed to prevent patients from getting the help they required, trapping them in a state of desperation.