A "vicious circle" is a situation where a problem causes a series of negative effects that reinforce the original issue, making it harder to resolve. For example, if a person experiences stress, they may struggle to sleep, leading to increased fatigue and further stress. This cycle continues, worsening their overall well-being. In economics, a vicious circle can occur when poverty leads to a lack of education, which in turn limits job opportunities. As a result, individuals remain in poverty, perpetuating the cycle. Breaking a vicious circle often requires targeted interventions to address the root causes of the problem.