side effect

noun
UK: /ˈsaɪd ɪˈfekt/
US: /ˈsaɪd ɪˈfekt/

  1. An unwanted or unexpected result of something.

    1. The medicine had an unpleasant side effect.
    2. One unfortunate side effect of the new law is rising unemployment since it was enacted.

  2. An extra and usually bad effect that something has in addition to its main purpose.

    1. Stress is a common side effect of working long hours.
    2. A negative side effect of increased tourism can be damage to the natural environment.

  3. In medicine, an unintended effect of a drug, often harmful.

    1. Nausea is a common side effect of this medication.
    2. Patients should be aware of the potential side effects before starting treatment, according to the doctor.

Synonyms

aftereffect downside ramification repercussion consequence

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "side effect" in English means: An unwanted or unexpected result of something., An extra and usually bad effect that something has in addition to its main purpose., In medicine, an unintended effect of a drug, often harmful..

The phonetic transcription of "side effect" is /ˈsaɪd ɪˈfekt/ in British English and /ˈsaɪd ɪˈfekt/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "side effect": aftereffect, downside, ramification, repercussion, consequence.

Example usage of "side effect": "The medicine had an unpleasant side effect.". More examples on the page.