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
Each factor on its own might not seem like a lot, but their cumulative effect has left many people thinking twice about iceberg lettuce.
—
Audrey Bruno, SELF, 24 Nov. 2025
Nevertheless, most inflation-weary Americans are upset with the economy because the cumulative effect of higher prices have been wreaking havoc on the economy for the past five years – not because of tariffs, specifically.
—David Goldman, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025
The cumulative effect could be overwhelming, advocates warn.
—Helen Rummel, AZCentral.com, 20 Oct. 2025
The cumulative effect shows up in national productivity.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cumulative effect
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Audrey Bruno, SELF, 24 Nov. 2025
Nevertheless, most inflation-weary Americans are upset with the economy because the cumulative effect of higher prices have been wreaking havoc on the economy for the past five years – not because of tariffs, specifically.
—David Goldman, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025
The cumulative effect could be overwhelming, advocates warn.
—Helen Rummel, AZCentral.com, 20 Oct. 2025
The cumulative effect shows up in national productivity.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 18 Oct. 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 Nov. 2025.
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