externality
noun
ex·ter·nal·i·ty
ˌek-ˌstər-ˈna-lə-tē 
plural externalities
1
: the quality or state of being external or externalized
2
: something that is external
3
: a secondary or unintended consequence
pollution and other externalities of manufacturing
Examples of externality in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Of course, there will be negative externalities associated with this enormous change coming up.
—
Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 3 Mar. 2026
The two-time Democratic presidential candidate is not interested in regulating AI or taxing its externalities.
—Tiana Lowe Doescher, The Washington Examiner, 27 Feb. 2026
For decades, Americans have treated their data like a cheap externality.
—Tressie McMillan Cottom, Mercury News, 7 Feb. 2026
But those events tend to be intrinsic to business rather than externalities such as White House maneuvers or geopolitics.
—Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for externality
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Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 3 Mar. 2026
The two-time Democratic presidential candidate is not interested in regulating AI or taxing its externalities.
—Tiana Lowe Doescher, The Washington Examiner, 27 Feb. 2026
For decades, Americans have treated their data like a cheap externality.
—Tressie McMillan Cottom, Mercury News, 7 Feb. 2026
But those events tend to be intrinsic to business rather than externalities such as White House maneuvers or geopolitics.
—Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for externality
Cite this Entry
“Externality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/externality. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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