adverse consequences

USAGE SUMMARY

"adverse consequences" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use "adverse consequences" to describe something negative that has occurred as a result of something else. For example: "The company's decision to close its doors had many adverse consequences, including job losses for hundreds of employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This principle has two adverse consequences.

The Guardian - Arts

When your goals have adverse consequences.

Harvard Business Review

No adverse consequences were noted.

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology

But political muscle has insulated them from any adverse consequences.

The New York Times

"This proposal has adverse consequences for the consumer," he said.

The New York Times

An argument that change will lead to adverse consequences.

The New Yorker

Doubt many adverse consequences Harvard Faculty or student body.

The New Yorker

He still regularly criticises Islam without any adverse consequences.

The Guardian - Opinion

He said there had been "few adverse consequences".

The New York Times

Engaging in bullying also has adverse consequences for bullies.

Bullying Implications for the Classroom

"They strongly depict the adverse consequences of smoking.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "adverse consequences", clearly articulate the cause-and-effect relationship to ensure your audience understands the origin of the negative outcomes. For example, specify "the adverse consequences of deforestation" instead of simply stating "adverse consequences."

Common error

Avoid using "adverse consequences" when the situation involves minor inconveniences or trivial issues. Reserve this phrase for situations with genuinely significant negative impacts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "adverse consequences" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes negative outcomes resulting from a specific action or situation. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a valid construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "adverse consequences" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe negative outcomes. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, science, and business communication. When using this phrase, it's important to clearly articulate the cause-and-effect relationship to ensure clarity. While "adverse consequences" is widely applicable, remember that related phrases like "negative repercussions" or "detrimental effects" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Be mindful of overstating the severity and reserve it for truly significant negative impacts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

negative repercussions

Replaces "consequences" with "repercussions", emphasizing the indirect or far-reaching effects.

harmful outcomes

Substitutes both words to highlight the damaging nature of the results.

detrimental effects

Uses more formal vocabulary to convey a sense of significant damage or impairment.

unfavorable results

Emphasizes the lack of positive outcomes.

unwanted side effects

Highlights the unintended and unwelcome nature of the consequences.

negative fallout

Uses the term "fallout" to suggest widespread and lasting negative effects.

ill effects

A more concise way of indicating harmful consequences.

undesirable ramifications

Replaces both words with more formal equivalents.

serious repercussions

Emphasizes the gravity and significance of the negative outcomes.

dire straits

Indicates an extremely serious or urgent situation resulting from negative consequences.

FAQs

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

You can use "adverse consequences" to describe the negative results or outcomes of a particular action or situation. For example: "The policy change had several "unfavorable results", including a decrease in employee morale."

What are some alternatives to saying "adverse consequences"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "negative repercussions", "harmful outcomes", or "detrimental effects".

Are "adverse consequences" and "negative consequences" interchangeable?

While similar, "adverse consequences" often implies a more severe or problematic outcome than simply "negative consequences". The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "adverse consequences" and "unintended consequences"?

"Adverse consequences" refers to the negative results of an action, while "unintended consequences" refers to results that were not initially planned or anticipated, regardless of whether they are positive or negative. An action can have both harmful outcomes and "unexpected results".