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A catch-22 is not a situation in which both choices lead to undesirable outcomes. That is called a lose-lose or no-win situation. A catch-22 situation CAN be a lose-lose, but it could also be a win-win or win-lose. A catch-22 situation is one in which the solution is impossible given the cyclic nature of the premises. The logic is as follows: 1. If X, then Y and Z 2. If Y, then not Z 3. Not Y or not Z 4. Not Y and Z 5. Therefore, not X. Many people use this logical terminology as commonplace vernacular while using it incorrectly and not understanding the origin.
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