undesirable consequence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "undesirable consequence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an outcome that is not wanted or is viewed negatively in a particular context. Example: "The new policy led to an undesirable consequence, resulting in decreased employee morale."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Removing Saddam Hussein from power in Iraq in 2003 had the undesirable consequence of empowering Iran.

The New York Times

Iraqi reconstruction is Exhibit A. Another undesirable consequence would be worsened transparency as both American taxpayers and intended beneficiaries are kept even deeper in the dark.

The New York Times

Short reports demand less time of authors, reviewers, and readers, but an undesirable consequence is that findings are less likely to be replicated even by the investigators who first publish them.

The New Yorker

In the production of stainless steel and other high-alloy grades that contain highly oxidizable elements such as chromium, lowering the levels of carbon by regular oxygen injection has the undesirable consequence of oxidizing the alloying elements as well.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Now the response of salivating to the metronome is followed by an undesirable consequence, the cancellation of the food that would otherwise have been delivered on that trial, but the dog still cannot help salivating (at least sometimes) to the metronome.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Root resorption is an undesirable consequence of orthodontic tooth movement.

American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

The episode had "highly undesirable consequences for the intelligence community".

The Guardian

Succumbing to lust beyond the pages of cookbooks and magazines can have undesirable consequences.

The New York Times

Does happiness, whether desirable or not in itself, lead to undesirable consequences?

The New York Times - Magazine

"We urge the government to think again about this policy and its unintended and undesirable consequences," the letter continues.

The Guardian

But to hear the police and school officials tell it, instant messaging can also have undesirable consequences.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "undesirable consequence", ensure the sentence clearly identifies the action or event that led to the negative outcome. This provides context and strengthens the connection between cause and effect.

Common error

Avoid using "undesirable consequence" for minor inconveniences. Reserve this phrase for outcomes that genuinely have a significant negative impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undesirable consequence" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence or clause. It identifies a specific outcome or result that is considered negative or unwanted. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "undesirable consequence" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a negative outcome or result. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and usability. It is most frequently found in science, news, and encyclopedic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly connect the consequence to its cause and avoid overstating the severity of the outcome. Alternatives like "negative impact" or "adverse outcome" can be used depending on the specific context. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "undesirable consequence" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

negative impact

Focuses on the effect and specifies that it is negative.

unfavorable result

Indicates that the outcome is not positive or beneficial.

adverse outcome

Emphasizes the result or conclusion of a situation, specifying that it is unfavorable.

negative repercussion

Focuses on the impact or effect of the consequence, highlighting its negativity.

detrimental effect

Highlights the damaging or harmful nature of the consequence.

ill effect

A more concise way to describe a negative impact or result.

unintended side effect

Suggests the consequence was not originally planned or expected, and is additionally negative.

unfortunate development

Indicates that the situation has taken a turn for the worse as a result of the consequence.

downside

Implies that there is a negative aspect or disadvantage to a particular situation or action.

drawback

Highlights a disadvantage or problem that has arisen as a consequence.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "undesirable consequence" in a sentence?

Clearly state the action or decision that led to the "undesirable consequence", and ensure the connection between them is evident. For example, "The policy change had the "undesirable consequence" of decreasing employee morale".

What are some alternatives to "undesirable consequence"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "negative repercussion", "adverse outcome", or "detrimental effect".

Is it redundant to say "unintended undesirable consequence"?

While "undesirable consequence" often implies that the outcome was not desired or planned, using "unintended" can emphasize the unexpected nature of the result. However, ensure it doesn't create redundancy; consider if "unintended consequence" alone suffices.

When is it more appropriate to use "undesirable effect" versus "undesirable consequence"?

"Undesirable effect" typically refers to a direct and immediate result, often in scientific or technical contexts, whereas ""undesirable consequence"" suggests a broader, longer-term impact or ramification.