domino effect: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal and semi-formal; common in journalism, academia, and business analysis.
Quick answer
What does “domino effect” mean?
A chain reaction where one event causes a series of similar, often negative, events to follow in sequence.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A chain reaction where one event causes a series of similar, often negative, events to follow in sequence.
Any sequential chain reaction in various contexts (social, economic, political, ecological) where a small initial change triggers cascading consequences.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
None in core meaning or usage. Spelling of related words may differ (e.g., 'analyse/analyze the domino effect').
Connotations
Identical negative/risk connotation in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties across media, academic, and business contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “domino effect” in a Sentence
The [EVENT] triggered a domino effect.There are fears of a domino effect.to set off a domino effect of [NEGATIVE OUTCOMES].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “domino effect” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The policy could domino-effect across the entire sector.
- (rare as verb, usually nominalised)
American English
- The bankruptcy might domino-effect through the industry.
- (rare as verb, usually nominalised)
adverb
British English
- The companies failed domino-effect, one after another.
- (extremely rare as adverb)
American English
- The banks collapsed domino-effect, creating a crisis.
- (extremely rare as adverb)
adjective
British English
- They feared a domino-effect scenario.
- We're seeing domino-effect failures.
American English
- The report warned of a domino-effect collapse.
- It was a classic domino-effect situation.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Describes cascading financial failures, supply chain collapses, or market crashes.
Academic
Used in systems theory, political science, and economics to model interdependent failures.
Everyday
Describes situations where one small problem leads to many others at home or work.
Technical
Specific use in physics for sequential mechanical collisions and in network theory for failure propagation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “domino effect”
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “domino effect”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “domino effect”
- Using it for simultaneous, non-sequential events (e.g., 'The domino effect of simultaneous explosions').
- Using it for positive outcomes without heavy irony (e.g., 'a domino effect of good luck').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically no. It inherently carries a negative, problematic connotation. A positive chain reaction is usually called a 'virtuous circle' or 'positive ripple effect'.
A domino effect is a direct, predictable, sequential chain of closely connected events. The butterfly effect describes a tiny, seemingly unrelated initial cause leading to large, unpredictable, complex outcomes far removed in time/space.
Yes, it is accepted in formal academic, business, and technical writing, though it originates from a metaphor. More technical synonyms like 'cascade failure' or 'propagation of risk' may be used in highly formal contexts.
It originates from the game of dominoes, where standing tiles are lined up so that knocking over the first causes all the others to fall in sequence. It gained widespread use during the Cold War with the 'domino theory' in geopolitics.
A chain reaction where one event causes a series of similar, often negative, events to follow in sequence.
Domino effect: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɒmɪnəʊ ɪˈfɛkt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɑːmənoʊ əˈfɛkt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's like a row of falling dominoes.”
- “Tipping the first domino.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a line of standing dominoes. Knock over the first one, and they all fall down in sequence. One event = many consequences.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SERIES OF FALLING DOMINOES IS A CHAIN OF CAUSAL EVENTS.
Practice
Quiz
In which scenario is the term 'domino effect' used MOST appropriately?