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
Lough’s interview with Sam Bot showed the ways AI can capture at least the externalities of our personality if not more.
—
Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 20 Nov. 2025
There are no positive benefits to a broader audience, or, as economists would say, no obvious positive externalities.
—Samidh Guha, ABC News, 9 Nov. 2025
What once might have been dismissed as externalities — extreme weather, food insecurity, or regulatory reversals — now land directly on balance sheets.
—Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 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
See All Example Sentences for externality
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Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 20 Nov. 2025
There are no positive benefits to a broader audience, or, as economists would say, no obvious positive externalities.
—Samidh Guha, ABC News, 9 Nov. 2025
What once might have been dismissed as externalities — extreme weather, food insecurity, or regulatory reversals — now land directly on balance sheets.
—Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 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
See All Example Sentences for externality
Cite this Entry
“Externality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/externality. Accessed 29 Nov. 2025.
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