Word Finder
What's the word for sticking with a decision despite better alternatives?
The word you're looking for
Doubling down means continuing to commit to a decision, belief, or course of action despite clear evidence that better alternatives exist. This phrase comes from gambling and describes the risky strategy of increasing your bet when losing—ignoring better options to avoid admitting you were wrong.
Other words that fit
Use this when explaining the psychological reason why people double down—they can't stop because of past investments they've already made, even if better choices exist.
Use this when describing someone's stubborn personality trait—unwillingness to change decisions regardless of evidence, though it doesn't specifically emphasize awareness of better alternatives.
Use this formal term in business or psychology contexts to describe the systematic pattern of increasing investment in a failing course of action despite warning signs.
Why this word
Doubling down describes the human tendency to commit more resources, time, or effort to a failing decision instead of switching to a better option. The phrase is rooted in gambling but applies to relationships, business, and personal choices. People often double down when they've already invested heavily (sunk cost fallacy), feel emotionally attached, or fear admitting a mistake. The key difference between doubling down and healthy perseverance is whether you're ignoring objective evidence of better alternatives. Recognizing when you're doubling down—rather than genuinely persisting through a temporary challenge—helps you make smarter decisions.
In context
- After losing money, he doubled down on the investment instead of accepting the loss.
- She doubled down on her failed marketing strategy, refusing to try the manager's suggestions.
- He knew the relationship wasn't working, but he doubled down rather than ending it.
Other concepts to find a word for
Frequently asked questions
- Is doubling down always a bad thing?
- Usually yes—the term implies continuing despite evidence of better alternatives. Healthy persistence, by contrast, means staying committed while remaining open to evidence. The difference is awareness and flexibility.
- What's the difference between doubling down and sunk cost fallacy?
- Doubling down is the behaviour (continuing something failing). Sunk cost fallacy is the psychological reason—past investments make you feel you must continue, even though they shouldn't affect future decisions.
- How can I tell if I'm doubling down or just being determined?
- Ask yourself: Are there genuinely better alternatives I'm ignoring? Am I continuing mainly because of past investments? If yes, you're doubling down. If you've actively considered alternatives and chosen to persist, that's determination.
- What's the difference between doubling down and being obstinate?
- Obstinate means stubbornly refusing to change your mind generally. Doubling down specifically means escalating your commitment to a failing choice despite seeing better options—it's more about escalating investment than just being stubborn.