ramification

noun

ram·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌra-mə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

a

: branch, offshoot

b

: a branched structure

2

a

: the act or process of branching

b

: arrangement of branches (as on a plant)

3

: consequence, outgrowth

the ramifications of the decision

Examples of ramification in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The precarious state of the whistleblower program comes as the CFTC may be on the verge of drastic changes elsewhere that carry additional enforcement ramifications. —Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 14 Aug. 2025

The New York Mets' swoon in August has been tough to witness, but will there be any long-lasting ramifications? —Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Aug. 2025

But these ramifications are about more than just chocolate. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 13 Aug. 2025

The ramifications of neglecting security are severe, underscoring the imperative for a proactive and comprehensive strategy that views robust authentication not as a cost center but as a fundamental pillar of a successful and trustworthy financial product. —Ajai Paul, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Rhymes for ramification

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration

Kids Definition

ramification

noun

ram·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌram-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act or process of branching

2

: outgrowth sense 1

the ramifications of the decision

Medical Definition

ramification

noun

ram·​i·​fi·​ca·​tion ˌram-ə-fə-ˈkā-shən 

1

: the act or process of branching

specifically : the mode of arrangement of branches

2

: a branch or offshoot from a main stock or channel

the ramification of an artery

also : the resulting branched structure

make visible the whole ramification of the dendrite