side effect

American  

Or side-effect

noun

1. any effect of a drug, chemical, or other medicine that is in addition to its intended effect, especially an effect that is harmful or unpleasant.

2. any accompanying or consequential and usually detrimental effect.

   the side effects of air pollution.

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side effect British  

noun

1. any unwanted nontherapeutic effect caused by a drug Compare aftereffect

2. any secondary effect, esp an undesirable one

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Etymology

Origin of side effect

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

A statement describes it as a side effect of reproductive tract disease, which she had a history of before arriving at the zoo and is common in aging female elephants.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

While the show may not have anticipated touch screens, it nailed a key side effect of constant use of gadgets: repetitive-motion injuries.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

Partaking in them is not without risk—ozone therapy, for example, has the potential side effect of something called an air embolism, which can lead to a stroke or heart attack.

From Slate • Mar. 30, 2026

Doctors have also observed an unusual side effect.

From Science Daily • Mar. 1, 2026

This had the side effect that it would be possible for someone to go off in a rocket ship and return to earth before he set out.

From "A Brief History of Time: And Other Essays" by Stephen Hawking

Related Words

• aftereffect
• reaction