cumulative effect
noun
: an effect produced by something happening over a long period of time
the cumulative effect(s) of smoking on the body
Examples of cumulative effect in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Speed Drives Better Capital Allocation The cumulative effect of speed is superior capital efficiency.
—
Matthew C. Meade, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
That includes the cumulative effect of oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, collagen depletion, and a gradual decline in cellular resilience, according to aesthetic doctor and Par Olive medical director Joseph Hkeik.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 12 Jan. 2026
Forecasters said the cumulative effect of the multiple storms could produce roughly a quarter of annual rainfall totals in some locations.
—Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 19 Dec. 2025
Simple activities repeated over and over have a cumulative effect on culture.
—Big Think, 1 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cumulative effect
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Matthew C. Meade, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
That includes the cumulative effect of oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, collagen depletion, and a gradual decline in cellular resilience, according to aesthetic doctor and Par Olive medical director Joseph Hkeik.
—Kiana Murden, Vogue, 12 Jan. 2026
Forecasters said the cumulative effect of the multiple storms could produce roughly a quarter of annual rainfall totals in some locations.
—Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 19 Dec. 2025
Simple activities repeated over and over have a cumulative effect on culture.
—Big Think, 1 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cumulative effect
Cite this Entry
“Cumulative effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cumulative%20effect. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
