ripple effect

American

noun

a spreading effect or series of consequences caused by a single action or event.

ripple effect British

noun

the repercussions of an event or situation experienced far beyond its immediate location

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of ripple effect

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“I didn’t realize the ripple effect of something like this until it happened.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2026

Ramos, now 51, won the next election to keep his spot on the board, which he said created a ripple effect that drew in more Latino candidates.

From Salon • May 7, 2026

He said work with animals in captivity had a "ripple effect" for big cats in the wild and treatment protocols.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

And discontent can be contagious, ultimately having a ripple effect on worsening morale and productivity.

From Slate • Apr. 20, 2026

“I just want to complete my original mission. That ripple effect he’s so worried about”—he pointed at JB jeeringly—“pah! You won’t even feel it!”

From "Found" by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023