What is meant by a "catch-22"?

A "catch-22" refers to a paradoxical situation from which an individual cannot escape due to contradictory rules or conditions. In literature and general discourse, it characterizes situations where all possible options are problematic or lead to negative outcomes. When you are in a catch-22, trying to resolve the issue only entrenches you further into the predicament, making it indeed a lose-lose scenario.

In contrast, the other options suggest scenarios where there is some semblance of success or benefit, which does not align with the essence of a catch-22. For example, a success story implies a favorable outcome, while a rewarding challenge suggests achieving something worthwhile, both of which stand in stark contrast to the entrapment and frustration often associated with a catch-22 situation.