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
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
Modern economies blend capitalism with socialism to address challenges like inequality, market failures and negative externalities, like when a business harms the environment.
—H. Sami Karaca, The Conversation, 13 Jan. 2025
However, addressing negative externalities is not a one-size-fits-all solution.
—Martin Jarzebowski, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
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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
Modern economies blend capitalism with socialism to address challenges like inequality, market failures and negative externalities, like when a business harms the environment.
—H. Sami Karaca, The Conversation, 13 Jan. 2025
However, addressing negative externalities is not a one-size-fits-all solution.
—Martin Jarzebowski, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for externality
Cite this Entry
“Externality.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/externality. Accessed 5 Mar. 2025.
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