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

Zendaya’s Rue is still grappling with the ramifications of her opioid addiction, while Sydney Sweeney’s once sweet Cassie channels her suburban frustrations into courting attention online. —Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 27 Feb. 2026

Other structural concerns were raised, from the health of the broader industry to creative diversity and political ramifications. —Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 27 Feb. 2026

Failure to reach a deal would have major ramifications for this summer's National Scout Jamboree. —Graham Smith, NPR, 26 Feb. 2026

The ramifications of Andrew’s arrest are still being felt and will likely continue to be felt by the British royal family for a while. —Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 25 Feb. 2026

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