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

Interconnected supply chains, geopolitical turmoil and inflation, AI’s impact on jobs, and climate change’s ripple effects on global consumption patterns are collectively scuppering the tried-and-tested playbook. — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2026

Nithya Raman hasn’t even been sworn in as a Los Angeles city councilmember, but her election earlier this month has already had ripple effects. — Alissa Walker, Curbed, 6 Nov. 2026

All supply chains will feel the ripple effects of this change. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 5 Nov. 2026

But unless and until Starship demonstrates Falcon 9–like reliability, SpaceX’s shift away from its current mainstay seems destined to produce major ripple effects across the space industry, affecting numerous customers. — Ramin Skibba, Scientific American, 4 Nov. 2026

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