noun

ramifications

ram-i-fi-KAY-shuhnz

Ramifications (noun) means the consequences of an action or decision, especially ones that are complicated, far-reaching and not obvious at first. Example: “Nobody had thought through the ramifications of merging the two databases.”

noun

The consequences of an action or decision, especially ones that are complicated, far-reaching and not obvious at first.

"Nobody had thought through the ramifications of merging the two databases."

"The ruling has ramifications for every landlord in the country."

formal The branches or subdivisions into which something spreads out.

"The ramifications of the nerve spread across the base of the skull."

How to Use Ramifications

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAll the knock-on effects something causes, including the ones you did not expect.

When to use it

Formal to neutral; frequent in legal, political and business writing.

Memory tip

It takes "for" or "of": ramifications for consumers, ramifications of the decision.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

implications repercussions reverberations

Common pairings

legal ramifications far-reaching ramifications the full ramifications ramifications for

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Fill the Gap

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Nobody had thought through the _____ of merging the two databases.

Etymology

Via French ramification from Latin ramus 'branch' — literally a branching out, from which the sense of consequences spreading like branches developed.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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consequences implications repercussions fallout knock-on effects branches offshoots subdivisions

Related Words

consequences divisions penalties aftermath fallout sequelae repercussion

Rhymes for ramifications

Ions Onions regions mentions stations Billions questions divisions directions operations convulsions reparations

See all rhymes for ramifications →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between ramifications and consequences?

Consequences are simply what follows from an action, good or bad. Ramifications carries the extra idea of branching complexity — indirect, spreading effects that were not immediately visible. You would not call one direct, obvious outcome a ramification.

Are ramifications always negative?

Not strictly, but usage leans heavily negative and readers hear a warning. If the spreading effects are positive, "implications" or "benefits" reads more naturally.

Is "ramification" ever used in the singular?

Yes, but it is uncommon, because the word is about a network of effects. "One ramification of the policy" is correct and means one strand of that network.

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