ripple effect

noun

: a spreading, pervasive, and usually unintentional effect or influence

the automotive industry has a ripple effect on many other industries

compare domino effect

Examples of ripple effect in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But recent cuts to research funding and staff in the United States by the Trump-Vance Administration, including in food safety inspection labs, are having concerning ripple effects across the globe. —Danielle Nierenberg, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025

United lost the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur, which will have a ripple effect on its future results. —Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 6 June 2025

Judging by this season’s ending, has Coop learned nothing about right and wrong — and about how his frequently reckless decisions have a ripple effect on those around him? —Rosemary Rossi, Variety, 31 May 2025

Add those two pandemic ripple effects together, and it’s been a crowded few seasons in college baseball. —Ralph D. Russo, New York Times, 30 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1966, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ripple effect

• aftereffect
• interconnect
• affect
• aspect
• bedecked
• bisect
• collect
• connect
• correct
• deflect
• detect
• direct