noun

ripple effect

RIP-ul i-FEKT

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Ripple effect (noun) means the way one event spreads outward to cause a series of further effects, each further from the original cause. Example: “The factory closure had a ripple effect through every shop on the high street.”

noun

The way one event spreads outward to cause a series of further effects, each further from the original cause.

"The factory closure had a ripple effect through every shop on the high street."

"One cancelled flight created a ripple effect across the whole schedule."

How to use ripple effect

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishWhen one thing causes another, which causes another.

When to use it

Neutral and very common in business, economics and journalism. It can describe good or bad chains of effects, though bad ones are more usual.

Memory tip

Ripple effects weaken as they spread outward; domino effects do not, which is why the two metaphors are not quite interchangeable.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

domino effect butterfly effect knock-on effect

Common pairings

a ripple effect through have a ripple effect wider ripple effects economic ripple effect

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The factory closure had a _____ through every shop on the high street.

Etymology

A metaphor from the rings that spread when something is dropped into water; ripple itself is of uncertain earlier origin.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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knock-on effect domino effect chain reaction spillover

Related words

spillover

Rhymes for ripple effect

effect

See all rhymes for ripple effect →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a ripple effect and a domino effect?

A ripple effect spreads outward in all directions and grows fainter with distance, like rings in water. A domino effect runs along a single chain where each step directly topples the next, and the force does not diminish. Use domino effect for a sequence of failures, ripple effect for diffuse consequences.

What is the difference between a ripple effect and the butterfly effect?

The ripple effect describes proportionate consequences spreading from an event. The butterfly effect is a term from chaos theory for a tiny change producing a wildly disproportionate outcome that could not have been predicted.

What is the meaning of ripple effect?

"ripple effect" (noun) means the way one event spreads outward to cause a series of further effects, each further from the original cause.

What is another word for ripple effect?

Other words for "ripple effect" include knock-on effect, domino effect, chain reaction, spillover.

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