ripple effect

American  

noun

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

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ripple effect British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of ripple effect

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

"And then the ripple effect has spread out from the Gulf to other countries, which have also been affected by a lack of raw materials, a lack of gas."

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

"There's a ripple effect right across the family and relatives, you know, that will have an impact today, so my heart goes out to them," Brown added.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026

Currie referred to “molecular contagion” whereby the ripple effect of the closure of the Strait Of Hormuz is spreading out around the world.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 19, 2026

“I’m so proud of this policy, but I’m so excited to see what the ripple effect is going to be,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

Everyone’s space invaded everyone else's, and the ripple effect separated me from my brother.

From "The Rock and the River" by Kekla Magoon