Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
An unintended consequence refers to an unexpected and often negative outcome that occurs as a result of an action or decision. It is something that was not anticipated or intended, but emerges as a result.
Related terms
Side Effect: A side effect refers to an additional and usually unwanted effect that accompanies the desired outcome of an action or treatment.
Butterfly Effect: The butterfly effect is the concept that small changes can have large effects over time. It suggests that even seemingly insignificant actions can lead to significant consequences.
Repercussions: Repercussions are the consequences or effects of a particular event or action. They often refer to negative outcomes resulting from previous actions.