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

If the player can push through the pain and remain a threat on the floor, those smaller scale injuries can heal during the offseason without long-term ramifications. —Shane Young, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025

As with the Forest Service, experts say the turmoil at FEMA could have considerable ramifications for California. —Hayley Smith, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2025

Jassy's full letter can be read online here — but one specific portion deserves extra attention, carrying ramifications for both Amazon shareholders and the economy overall. —Zev Fima,natasha Abellard, CNBC, 17 June 2025

This is crushing and has broad ramifications, far beyond this single fiscal year. —Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 16 June 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