externality
noun
ex·ter·nal·i·ty
ˌek-ˌstər-ˈna-lə-tē 
plural externalities
1
: the quality or state of being external or externalized
2
: something that is external
3
: a secondary or unintended consequence
pollution and other externalities of manufacturing
Examples of externality in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
If these externalities were fully priced into the cost of gasoline, there would likely be widespread political upheaval.
—
Robert Rapier, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
An abundance of research now shows that oversized cars increase the risk of injury or death among other road users, a negative externality akin to secondhand smoke.
—David Zipper, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
By mandating human oversight, California’s law ensures that decisions affecting patients' lives incorporate additional externalities, context and nuance—elements that no algorithm can fully replicate regardless of its sophistication.
—Chris Bowen, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
The fact that carbon prices could eventually account for the negative externalities of carbon dioxide emissions provides another strong incentive for oil-producing states to take climate change seriously and plan for the coming energy transition.
—Marwa Daoudy, Foreign Affairs, 22 Feb. 2022
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Robert Rapier, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
An abundance of research now shows that oversized cars increase the risk of injury or death among other road users, a negative externality akin to secondhand smoke.
—David Zipper, Vox, 7 Dec. 2018
By mandating human oversight, California’s law ensures that decisions affecting patients' lives incorporate additional externalities, context and nuance—elements that no algorithm can fully replicate regardless of its sophistication.
—Chris Bowen, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
The fact that carbon prices could eventually account for the negative externalities of carbon dioxide emissions provides another strong incentive for oil-producing states to take climate change seriously and plan for the coming energy transition.
—Marwa Daoudy, Foreign Affairs, 22 Feb. 2022
See All Example Sentences for externality
Cite this Entry
“Externality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/externality. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.
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