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
For sure, there are ways other than VAT to deal with externalities.
—
Robert Goulder, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
From an economic point of view, R & D suffers from a severe externality in the same way that climate change does.
—William Nordhaus, Foreign Affairs, 12 Oct. 2021
If these externalities were fully priced into the cost of gasoline, there would likely be widespread political upheaval.
—Robert Rapier, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
An abundance of research now shows that oversized cars increase the risk of injury or death among other road users, a negative externality akin to secondhand smoke.
—David Zipper, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
See All Example Sentences for externality
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Robert Goulder, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
From an economic point of view, R & D suffers from a severe externality in the same way that climate change does.
—William Nordhaus, Foreign Affairs, 12 Oct. 2021
If these externalities were fully priced into the cost of gasoline, there would likely be widespread political upheaval.
—Robert Rapier, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
An abundance of research now shows that oversized cars increase the risk of injury or death among other road users, a negative externality akin to secondhand smoke.
—David Zipper, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
See All Example Sentences for externality
Cite this Entry
“Externality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/externality. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
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