Repercussion

Simple meaning

A repercussion is an indirect or unintended consequence — something that happens as a result of an action, often spreading further than expected.

Detailed meaning

Repercussion comes from the Latin repercutere — to strike back. Like a sound bouncing off a wall and returning, a repercussion is an effect that comes back or spreads out from an original action.

The key quality of a repercussion is that it is usually:

• Indirect — not the immediate result, but something further down the chain
• Broader — affecting more people or areas than the original action did
• Often negative — though it can be neutral

"The decision had repercussions across the entire organisation." — the decision was made in one place, but its effects spread everywhere.

You will almost always see repercussion in the plural — repercussions — because effects tend to multiply.

Where to use it

It works well in:

• Analysing decisions — "What are the repercussions of this choice?"
• News and politics — "The announcement had immediate repercussions on the markets."
• Risk management — "We need to consider the repercussions before we proceed."

Where not to use it

Repercussion is for indirect and spreading effects. Don't use it for direct, immediate results.

5 example sentences

1. The data breach had repercussions far beyond the IT team — customers lost trust and sales dropped for months.
2. She considered the repercussions carefully before sending the email — once it was out, there was no taking it back.
3. The closure of the factory had repercussions across the whole town — not just for workers, but for local shops and schools.
4. A single poorly-handled complaint can have repercussions on social media that damage a brand for years.
5. He knew there would be repercussions for speaking up — but he said it anyway.

Similar & opposite words

Similar (synonyms)

Opposite (antonyms)

Shade of difference: Consequence is the broad word for any result. Repercussion specifically implies an indirect, spreading effect — the ripple beyond the immediate splash. Fallout is informal and often negative — the messy aftermath. Aftermath comes after something significant, like a disaster. Knock-on effect is conversational — one thing triggers another in a chain.

Memory trick

Summary

A repercussion is an indirect consequence — the effect that spreads outward from an action, often further and wider than intended. It is usually used in the plural. Use it when one decision or event sends effects rippling through other areas, affecting more than the immediate target.