externality

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noun ex·ter·nal·i·ty \ ˌek-ˌstər-ˈna-lə-tē \

Definition of externality

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

Recent Examples of externality from the Web

There will be negative externalities to that choice: teams who lose a best player to a hit-by-pitch will feel powerless, and the first team to throw at a player will have an upper hand.

— gabriel baumgaertner, SI.com, "After Yankees-Tigers Brawl, Has Baseball's Beanball Culture Gone Too Far?," 25 Aug. 2017
Some of the tech companies such as Microsoft and Facebook achieved their dominant status because of network externalities.

— roger showley, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Big tech too big for the public's good?," 4 Aug. 2017
Yes, economists do disagree somewhat on the best responses to external costs, but there is no disagreement with the idea that uncontrolled externalities harm economic efficiency and make society as a whole poorer.

— edward lotterman, Twin Cities, "Real World Economics: Pollution can’t be a local concern," 11 Mar. 2017
In the Army, the leader is always held responsible for the success or failure of a mission regardless of any externalities.

— harry harris, The Mercury News, "Oakland police: Suspected sniper shot by officer dies," 17 Feb. 2017
Economists recommend governments use taxes and regulations to minimize this negative externality.

— susan dynarski, New York Times, "Free Market for Education? Economists Generally Don’t Buy It," 30 Dec. 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'externality.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of externality

1673

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externality

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