repercussion
C1Formal, academic, journalistic
Definition
Meaning
An often unintended and unwelcome consequence or effect resulting from an event or action.
A recoil or reverberation, such as that of sound or a physical impact; a secondary, indirect, or more remote effect.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used in plural form ('repercussions') to denote multiple negative or significant consequences. Singular use is rarer and often pertains to a specific indirect effect or a literal echo.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major lexical or grammatical differences. Minor preference for plural form in both varieties.
Connotations
Consistently carries a negative connotation of serious, often far-reaching consequences in both dialects.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British English in formal/academic writing, but common in both.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
repercussions for [someone/something]repercussions of [an event/action]repercussions on [a system/area]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “face the repercussions”
- “suffer the repercussions”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The merger could have significant financial repercussions for shareholders.
Academic
The historian's paper explored the political repercussions of the treaty across the continent.
Everyday
He didn't think about the repercussions of arriving home so late.
Technical
In acoustics, the repercussion of the sound wave within the chamber created a noticeable echo.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- If you break the rules, there will be repercussions.
- The new law could have serious repercussions for small businesses.
- The company failed to foresee the widespread economic repercussions of its factory closure.
- The geopolitical repercussions of the conflict extended far beyond the immediate region, reshaping global alliances.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of PERCUSSION instruments making a loud bang. A RE-PERCUSSION is the sound/impact coming BACK to you, like an unwanted consequence echoing from your actions.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONSEQUENCES ARE ECHOES / ACTIONS ARE SOUND WAVES
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- False friend: 'реперкуссия' is a direct borrowing but is extremely rare and formal. Using it will sound unnatural.
- Common translations: 'последствие' (consequence), 'отголосок' (echo, reverberation).
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'It will repercuss badly'). No common verb form exists.
- Using singular for general consequences (e.g., 'a big repercussion'). Prefer plural 'repercussions'.
- Using with positive outcomes (e.g., 'good repercussions'). Typically negative.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'repercussions' used most appropriately?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, almost always. It refers to unwelcome, indirect, or adverse consequences. Using it for positive outcomes is atypical and may sound odd.
Yes, but it's less common. The singular often refers to a specific indirect effect or, in specialised contexts, a literal reverberation. The plural 'repercussions' is the default for general consequences.
Both mean a result. 'Consequence' is neutral and can be direct or indirect, positive or negative. 'Repercussion' strongly implies an indirect, often unforeseen, and negative chain of effects following an initial event.
No, the verb 'repercuss' is obsolete and not used in modern English. Use phrases like 'to have repercussions' or 'to lead to repercussions'.