ripple effect

noun

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

ripple effect

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of ripple effect¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Merced County Sheriff Vernon Warnke said the agricultural equipment thefts have a ripple effect that eventually reaches Americans who shop at local stores.

From Los Angeles Times

But that also means "its actions definitely have a big ripple effect online", he says - a ripple effect firms like Tricia Fox's are starting to really feel.

From BBC

Those might seem like meager numbers for a player widely expected to be selected in the NFL draft this spring until you consider the ripple effect.

From Los Angeles Times

KM: That’s the goal with everything that I do: the ripple effect it causes.

From Los Angeles Times

"When stores and businesses open their doors on Sunday, it may seem like a convenience at first, but the resulting ripple effect leaves workers with less time to rest, less time for family, less time for church worship and invariably, a lower quality of life."

From BBC