jevons
C2Technical/Academic
Definition
Meaning
An economic concept describing a situation where increased efficiency in resource use can paradoxically lead to higher overall consumption of that resource.
An instance of a rebound effect in consumption, often applied in discussions of energy policy, environmental economics, and sustainability. Named after the 19th-century economist William Stanley Jevons.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Capitalized 'Jevons' paradox' is the standard form. It is a proper noun describing a specific, observed economic phenomenon.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Concept is identical. In British academic writing, it may be more frequently referenced in its full historical context.
Connotations
In both, carries connotations of unintended consequences, policy failure, and complex system behavior.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Exclusively found in advanced economics, environmental studies, and technology policy discourse.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[The/This] is a clear example of the Jevons paradox.[Subject] demonstrates/illustrates/embodies the Jevons effect.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's a Jevons situation.”
- “Beware the Jevons paradox.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Discussed in corporate sustainability reports regarding energy-efficient technologies.
Academic
Central concept in ecological economics and energy policy literature.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Key term in modeling the environmental impact of technological efficiency gains.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The policy risks being Jevonsed if demand isn't simultaneously managed.
American English
- They worried the new tech would Jevons the entire energy market.
adjective
British English
- The Jevonsian outcome undermined the carbon targets.
American English
- We observed a Jevons-like increase in consumption.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Improving engine efficiency can sometimes lead to more driving, not less – this is known as the Jevons paradox.
- The widespread adoption of LED lighting, while reducing energy use per unit of light, has led to a Jevons effect through increased illumination of outdoor spaces and longer burning hours.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Jevons Jaunts: Just Efficient Vehicles Often Need Surprising amounts of fuel.
Conceptual Metaphor
EFFICIENCY IS A LEAKY BUCKET (savings gained in one area leak out as increased consumption elsewhere).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводите как 'парадокс Джевонса' без указания фамилии экономиста - это устоявшийся термин. Избегайте описательного перевода, теряющего связь с первоисточником.
Common Mistakes
- Using lowercase 'j' (always capitalized).
- Referring to it as a 'theory' rather than an 'observed paradox' or 'effect'.
- Misspelling as 'Jevon's' (no apostrophe).
Practice
Quiz
The Jevons paradox primarily describes a relationship between:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is exclusively a technical term from economics and environmental science, derived from a person's name.
In highly specialized jargon, it can be verbalized (e.g., 'to Jevons a market'), but this is non-standard and very rare.
The 'Jevons paradox' is a specific, strong instance of the 'rebound effect' where the increase in consumption outweighs the initial efficiency gains, leading to higher total resource use.
Only if you are studying advanced economics, energy policy, or environmental sustainability. It is not part of general English vocabulary.