undesired consequences

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "undesired consequences" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing negative outcomes or effects that are not wanted or intended. Example: "The new policy led to several undesired consequences, including decreased employee morale and increased turnover."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Precipitate induces a number of undesired consequences.

Fuel

Algorithmic systems have a way of making mistakes or leading to undesired consequences.

MIT Technology Review

There is considerable overlap between the two, but they can both be understood as undesired consequences of compassion and empathy.

The Guardian

This retrospective approach can blindside sales forces with undesired consequences in terms of sales force effort allocation and financial risk.

Harvard Business Review

However, nondiscriminatory inhibition of PARPs, such as PARP2, may lead to undesired consequences.

Biochemical Pharmacology

The dispute over the policy underscores the tension between the grand gestures of the campaign trail and the undesired consequences once in office.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

A government can assign a cost to pollution, which internalises the externality and thus reduces the undesired consequence.

The Guardian

I fear that his advice may have the undesired consequence of churning out a society of automatons.

The New York Times

She said that the proposal to raise the potential penalty to $100 million "may have the undesired consequence of firms, as a precautionary measure, flooding the agency with virtually every consumer complaint and incident".

The New York Times

A proper risk management scheme for CO2 storage should include an adequate monitoring plan completed with a site-specific intervention plan in order to demonstrate that any undesired consequence can be prevented, if not corrected.

International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control

It seems not only that the chancellor will not budge on this score, but also that she is already preparing for the hitherto undesired consequence: a UK departure – "Brexit" in Euro jargon – if David Cameron takes curbs on freedom of movement as his red line.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing potential actions or policies, consider a wide range of possible outcomes beyond the intended ones. Addressing possible "undesired consequences" proactively demonstrates foresight and thorough planning.

Common error

Avoid focusing solely on the primary goal of an action. Overlooking secondary effects, which could lead to "undesired consequences", reflects a narrow perspective and can undermine the overall success.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undesired consequences" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate its role in describing the negative results of actions, policies, or events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "undesired consequences" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote negative and unintended outcomes across various domains. Ludwig AI analysis reveals that it is commonly employed in science, news, and formal business contexts, signaling its versatility and broad applicability. While alternatives like "negative repercussions" or "adverse outcomes" exist, this phrase remains a direct and effective way to communicate unwelcome results. As Ludwig AI confirms, being mindful of potential side effects in planning and decision-making is crucial to minimize the risk of such consequences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

undesirable results

A more general term for outcomes that are not wanted.

negative repercussions

Focuses more on the impact or echo of the consequences.

adverse outcomes

Highlights the unfavorable nature of the results.

unwelcome outcomes

Emphasizes the unpleasant nature of the consequences.

unintended results

Focuses on the consequences that are unexpected.

unintended side effects

Specifically refers to consequences that were not planned or anticipated.

unforeseen problems

Emphasizes the unexpected nature of the issues that arise.

detrimental effects

Stresses the harmful impact of the consequences.

ill effects

A more concise and direct way to describe harmful consequences.

negative externalities

Often used in economics to describe costs not reflected in the price.

FAQs

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

You can use "undesired consequences" to describe negative outcomes that were not originally intended. For example, "The policy change had several "undesired consequences", including a decrease in employee morale."

What are some alternatives to "undesired consequences"?

Some alternatives include "negative repercussions", "adverse outcomes", or "unintended side effects".

Are "unintended consequences" and "undesired consequences" the same?

While similar, "unintended consequences" focuses on outcomes that were not planned, while "undesired consequences" emphasizes that the outcomes are negative or not wanted.

How can I prevent "undesired consequences"?

To minimize "undesired consequences", carefully consider all potential outcomes of an action, consult with experts, and implement monitoring systems to detect and address any negative effects early on.