Debt and interest have fallen into a vicious cycle.
Tips
usage
Direct translation of the English medical/economic term — a modern set phrase rather than a classical chengyu. Its counterpart is 良性循环 ('virtuous circle'). Both are standard business/policy Chinese.
memory
恶性 = malignant (as in 恶性肿瘤 'malignant tumor') + 循环 = circulation/cycle. Originally from medicine, extended to any self-worsening situation.
