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
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These examples signal a broader shift in how risk can be managed, and how ecosystems are beginning to be treated not as externalities, but as investable risk buffers.
—
Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Allowing voluntary data porting by consumers can lead to possible unraveling (i.e., customers are compelled to share data as non-disclosure will be perceived negatively by providers) and negative data externality for customers who don’t share data.
—Ron Shevlin, Forbes, 24 Nov. 2024
Furthermore, the sector is incredibly vulnerable to numerous externalities, including supply chain constraints, regulatory changes and a constantly evolving workforce.
—Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
While today's market may not fully price environmental externalities, forward-thinking policies and market pressures increasingly will.
—Aya Saed, Time, 17 June 2025
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Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Allowing voluntary data porting by consumers can lead to possible unraveling (i.e., customers are compelled to share data as non-disclosure will be perceived negatively by providers) and negative data externality for customers who don’t share data.
—Ron Shevlin, Forbes, 24 Nov. 2024
Furthermore, the sector is incredibly vulnerable to numerous externalities, including supply chain constraints, regulatory changes and a constantly evolving workforce.
—Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
While today's market may not fully price environmental externalities, forward-thinking policies and market pressures increasingly will.
—Aya Saed, Time, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for externality
Cite this Entry
“Externality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/externality. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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