repercussion

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "repercussion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a secondary, often adverse, result or consequence of an action or event. For example, "The company faced severe repercussions when their new product was released with critical bugs that caused customer outrage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To be heard by the tribunal a case must now have "general repercussion in society".

The Economist

Since the son was not on the sanctions list, total ownership of the venue by sanctioned parties thus fell to 49.5%, meaning it could continue to be used for concerts by Western stars without repercussion.

The Economist

But the more important repercussion has to do with sovereign risk.Dubai World's debt was not technically government-backed, but it was widely regarded as such by investors, who drew scant distinction between the Dubai government and a company it wholly owned.

The Economist

Through their repercussion on export earnings, price fluctuations are often held responsible for the variations in the growth rate of countries producing primary goods, especially since exports of a single primary good account for a large part of the total exports of many countries.

Encyclopedia Britannica

History suggests that once the story broke, the authorities' response would be an immediate muddying of the waters – lest the world assume that a Chinese citizen, who had committed a first illegal act by having a child out of wedlock, was pushed to commit a second through fear of repercussion, with the second being an offence against human conscience.

Independent

When Rose asked if chemical warfare could be one repercussion from a US intervention in Syria, Assad told him: "That depends if the rebels or the terrorists in this region or any other group have it.

Independent

The Walking Dead videogame series has been going to strength to strength as its formula of classic point-and-click adventure, so brilliantly combined with a smart narrative and decision repercussion system, entices and beguiles players the world over.

Independent

Seventy years on those actions are now having their final repercussion.

Independent

We should not confirm the principle that some among us can be raped, tortured, or killed without repercussion.

The New Yorker

Tells about the contrast between the brilliance of the tennis & the shabbiness & obscurity of the particular event, a repercussion of Trabert's suspension of Gonzales & Segura from all I.P.T.P.A.-sponsored tournaments.

The New Yorker

And then there was the repercussion that nobody expected in the rush of stoicism and sacrifice that so impressed the world.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "repercussion" to denote a significant and often indirect consequence of an action or event. It's particularly effective when emphasizing the cascading or far-reaching effects.

Common error

Avoid using "repercussion" when a simple, direct consequence is meant. "Effect" is more appropriate for immediate and obvious results, while "repercussion" implies a more complex and delayed chain of events.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "repercussion" is as a noun. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting a consequence or effect. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is correctly used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

1.5%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

30.5%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "repercussion" is a versatile noun used to describe the consequences or effects of actions or events, often implying a significant and sometimes indirect impact. Ludwig AI confirms the word's correct usage. Its prevalence in news and media highlights its importance in analytical and informative writing. While "repercussion" is grammatically correct and widely understood, it is important to distinguish it from similar words like "effect" or "consequence", using it when you specifically want to convey the broader and potentially far-reaching impact of something. By using "repercussion" judiciously, writers can more accurately and effectively communicate the complexities of cause and effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consequence

This is a general term for something that logically or naturally follows from an action or condition.

implication

This suggests a consequence that is not explicitly stated but can be inferred.

ensuing result

This phrase emphasizes the sequential nature of the result, highlighting that it directly follows the action.

ramification

This refers to the complex and far-reaching consequences of an action or decision.

aftermath

This term focuses on the period immediately following a significant event and its consequences.

unintended consequence

This highlights that the result was not planned or expected.

fallout

This term often implies negative or undesirable consequences, especially in a broader or more diffuse sense.

impact

This term emphasizes the force or effect of something, whether positive or negative.

downside

This refers specifically to the negative aspect or disadvantage of something.

side effect

This is often used in medical or technical contexts to describe an unintended consequence.

FAQs

How can I use "repercussion" in a sentence?

You can use "repercussion" to describe the effects of an action, as in "The new policy had significant "repercussions" on employee morale".

What's the difference between "consequence" and "repercussion"?

"Consequence" is a general term for something that follows from an action, while "repercussion" often implies a more indirect, far-reaching, or negative effect. A "consequence" can be immediate and direct, while a "repercussion" unfolds over time.

What are some alternatives to using the word "repercussion"?

Depending on the context, you could use "consequence", "aftermath", "implication", or "ramification".

Is it correct to use "repercussions" in the plural form?

Yes, it is perfectly correct and common to use "repercussions" in the plural form, especially when referring to multiple or varied consequences of an action or event. For example, "The decision had several unexpected "repercussions"".