ramification

noun

ram·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌra-mə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

a

: branch, offshoot

b

: a branched structure

2

a

: the act or process of branching

b

: arrangement of branches (as on a plant)

3

: consequence, outgrowth

the ramifications of the decision

Examples of ramification in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Panthers took Freeling with the 19th pick, a decision that has both short- and long-term ramifications. —Joseph Person, New York Times, 26 May 2026

Markets around the world have been volatile of late, as investors weigh how soon the war could end, along with the ramifications of elevated oil prices for a long time. —Fred Imbert, CNBC, 22 May 2026

But affordability concerns have left many Americans unhappy about the economy, which could lead to major political ramifications for the midterm elections. —Lucy Bayly, CNN Money, 22 May 2026

With the indebted companies combining, the immediate ramifications will be greater job losses across both studios. —Joseph M. Singer, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Rhymes for ramification

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

ramification

noun

ram·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌram-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act or process of branching

2

: outgrowth sense 1

the ramifications of the decision

Medical Definition

ramification

noun

ram·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌram-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act or process of branching

specifically : the mode of arrangement of branches

2

: a branch or offshoot from a main stock or channel

the ramification of an artery

also : the resulting branched structure

make visible the whole ramification of the dendrite