ramification
/ˌramɪfɪˈkeɪʃ(ə)n
/noun (usually ramifications)
1A complex or unwelcome consequence of an action or event: any change is bound to have legal ramifications...
- He knew what he should do and he didn't stop to consider the ramifications of what he did.
- Do you really want the legal ramifications of a line of code hindering game development?
- The description of the legal ramifications of the treaty varies with the audience.
Synonyms
consequence, result, aftermath, outcome, effect, upshot, issue, sequel;
complication, development, implication;
product, by-product, outgrowth, spin-off
1.1A subdivision of a complex structure or process: an extended family with its ramifications of neighbouring in-laws
1.2 [mass noun] formal or technical The action of ramifying or the state of being ramified: a coronary angiogram showed ramification of the right coronary artery close to the ostium...
- His core concept was ramification, meaning the likelihood that co-operation in one sector would lead governments to extend the range of collaboration across other sectors.
Origin
Mid 17th century: from French, from ramifier 'form branches' (see ramify).