externality

[ ek-ster-nal-i-tee ]

noun

, plural ex·ter·nal·i·ties.

1. the state or quality of being external to or outside someone or something; the fact of being outer, outward, or on the surface:

   A child just learning to speak already has a sense of the externality of the world.

2. something external; an outward feature, or all outward features considered together:

   One can be too preoccupied with the externalities of religion.

3. excessive attention to external or outward features; superficiality:

   The article explores the externality of identity in a world of media-constructed self-image.

4. a side effect of some process or activity, especially a negative effect of an economic activity that is not accounted for in the price of what is produced:

   Externalities such as air pollution are sometimes eliminated through government regulation.

   They argue that there is an externality from breeding new pets, as the cute babies crowd out older pets.

Other Words From

• non·ex·ter·nal·i·ty noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of externality¹

First recorded in 1665–75; external + -ity

Example Sentences

"In economics, we call that externality," she said.

From Science Daily

In traditional economics-speak, hidden costs are known as externalities – spillover effects from production that are caused by one party but paid for by another.

From Salon

Analysts think environmental externalities may come under greater scrutiny for waste-to-energy projects selling offsets as the global carbon market evolves beyond the Clean Development Mechanism to a new U.N.-run program.

From Seattle Times

“We create prosperous and exclusive communities, but in so doing also create neighborhoods with concentrated despair — the externality of stockpiled opportunity.”

From Seattle Times

"The relevance of global externalities is very important, and the conceptualization of alternate land uses is very important."

From Science Daily

Related Words

• area
• expanse
• exterior
• facade
• façade
• face
• level
• side
• skin
• top