Negative consequences

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Negative consequences" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the adverse effects or outcomes of a particular action, decision, or event. Example: "The new policy may lead to negative consequences for employee morale and productivity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Negative consequences of food insecurity have been documented extensively.

Agricultural and Food Economics

Both can have negative consequences.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But that might have, well, negative consequences.

The Economist

This has a number of negative consequences.

The New Yorker

"There's long-term negative consequences," Miller said.

The Guardian

But these connections can have negative consequences.

The Guardian - Opinion

Everything has positive and negative consequences".

The New York Times - Arts

And these "negative consequences" can't be overlooked.

The Guardian

There could be long-term negative consequences".

The New York Times

The negative consequences of faith schools "know no bounds".

The Guardian

There might also be negative consequences for the taxpayer.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing potential problems, be specific about the "negative consequences" rather than just stating they exist. For instance, specify whether the consequences are financial, social, or environmental.

Common error

Avoid using "negative consequences" as a filler phrase without providing details. Always clarify what these consequences are and who or what they affect to maintain clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Negative consequences" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, indicating the adverse results or outcomes of an action, decision, or situation. Ludwig AI confirms the usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "Negative consequences" is a commonly used and grammatically correct term to describe adverse outcomes resulting from actions, decisions, or events. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, it's essential to be specific about what these consequences are and who or what they affect. Alternatives include "adverse outcomes" and "detrimental effects", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis. Being mindful of these nuances can enhance clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adverse outcomes

Replaces "negative" with "adverse" and "consequences" with "outcomes", maintaining a similar level of formality.

undesirable consequences

Synonymous replacement with "undesirable", emphasizing that the result is not wanted.

unfavorable results

Substitutes "negative" with "unfavorable" and "consequences" with "results", slightly less formal.

detrimental effects

Replaces "negative" with "detrimental" and "consequences" with "effects", indicating a harmful impact.

harmful repercussions

Uses "harmful" instead of "negative" and "repercussions" to emphasize the far-reaching impact.

ill effects

A shorter, more direct synonym emphasizing the negative impact.

unwanted side effects

Replaces "consequences" with "side effects", often used in medical or technical contexts, adding specificity.

drawbacks

A more general term referring to disadvantages or problems.

pitfalls

Implies hidden dangers or difficulties that arise as a result.

downside

A more informal term for the negative aspect of something.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "Negative consequences"?

Alternatives include "adverse outcomes", "unfavorable results", or "detrimental effects", each varying slightly in formality and emphasis.

How can I use "Negative consequences" in a sentence?

You can say, "The policy change had several "negative consequences" for the company's productivity" or "Failing to address climate change will lead to severe "negative consequences" for future generations".

Is it better to say "Negative consequences" or "Negative impacts"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "negative consequences" might be preferred in general contexts, while "negative impacts" is often used when discussing effects on a specific system, like the environment or a project.

What's the difference between "Negative consequences" and "negative repercussions"?

"Negative consequences" is a more general term, while "negative repercussions" often implies more far-reaching and indirect effects.