negative implications

Meaning

1. 1nounusually plural

   Unwelcome results or meanings that a decision, event or statement is likely to lead to or suggest.

   Grammar: Often followed by for: the policy has negative implications for small farms.

   Patterns

   • negative implications for something
   • negative implications of something

   The report warns of negative implications for public health.

   Raising the fee could have negative implications for new students.

   She did not realize the comment carried negative implications about his work.

Common combinations

have negative implications for

The merger may have negative implications for staff.

carry negative implications

The word 'cheap' can carry negative implications.

serious negative implications

Ignoring the warning could have serious negative implications.

potential negative implications

The committee discussed the potential negative implications of the change.

avoid negative implications

The company reworded the notice to avoid negative implications.

Synonyms and how they differ

drawbacks

Drawbacks are the disadvantages of a plan, while negative implications also include what is suggested or hinted at.

repercussions

Repercussions are actual consequences that often come later, whereas negative implications may only be likely or implied.

downsides

Downsides is more casual and points to the bad side of a choice, while negative implications is more formal.

Opposites

Word family

imply verb

to suggest something without saying it directly

implication noun

a likely result or hidden meaning

implicit adjective

suggested but not stated

negative adjective

bad or harmful

Commonly confused: negative implications or inference?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “negative implications”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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