knock-on effect

noun

plural knock-on effects
chiefly British
: an indirect or secondary effect
The heat wave has had critical knock-on effects. Surging electricity demand and stress on the power grid triggered power outages …Umair Irfan
Over the past 12 months, asking prices [for houses] have gone up by 9.5%. This has a knock-on effect for renters. UK rents rose by 8.3% in the last three months …theguardian.com (London)
compare domino effect, ripple effect

Examples of knock-on effect in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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That would have knock-on effects for metals and manufacturing stocks amid disruption in supply chains, input costs and operating conditions these sectors rely on. Bloomberg, Fortune, 21 June 2026 The knock-on effect is a shortage of fuel and munitions for Russian frontline troops in southern Ukraine, further disrupting Russian President Vladimir Putin’s wartime goals. Gianluca Mezzofiore, CNN Money, 20 June 2026 The closure of the strait, Iranian attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure and the blockade sent fuel prices skyrocketing, and the knock-on effects rippled through the world economy. Jon Gambrell, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2026 If the researchers' allegations are true, this has had knock-on effects far beyond the original article. Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 14 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for knock-on effect

Word History

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of knock-on effect was in 1972

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Cite this Entry

“Knock-on effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/knock-on%20effect. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.

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