unintended consequence en · NOUN
Etymology
Popularized by sociologist Robert K. Merton.
Meanings
-
(in-plural) An outcome of a purposeful action that is not intended or foreseen.
Over the past several years we’ve learned a lot about the unintended consequences of social media. Platforms intended to bring us closer together make us angrier and more isolated.
2019 May 4, Bret Stephens, “Facebook’s Unintended Consequence”, in The New York Times, →ISSN:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| unforeseen consequence | alternative | lexicographic | |
| unintended consequences | Number=Plur | lexicographic | |
| unanticipated consequence | alternative | lexicographic |
Relateds
preterintentional · side effect · collateral damage · you can't make an omelette without breaking eggs