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
For decades, Americans have treated their data like a cheap externality.
—
Tressie McMillan Cottom, Mercury News, 7 Feb. 2026
But those events tend to be intrinsic to business rather than externalities such as White House maneuvers or geopolitics.
—Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
While institutional ownership currently only represents 4% of the market, funds with increasing algorithmic targeting, cash bids and conversion to rentals can drive prices and create negative externalities, especially impacting first-time buyers.
—Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Jan. 2026
However, this ignores the negative externalities imposed on the workforce that remains.
—Katica Roy, Fortune, 18 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for externality
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Tressie McMillan Cottom, Mercury News, 7 Feb. 2026
But those events tend to be intrinsic to business rather than externalities such as White House maneuvers or geopolitics.
—Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2026
While institutional ownership currently only represents 4% of the market, funds with increasing algorithmic targeting, cash bids and conversion to rentals can drive prices and create negative externalities, especially impacting first-time buyers.
—Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Jan. 2026
However, this ignores the negative externalities imposed on the workforce that remains.
—Katica Roy, Fortune, 18 Dec. 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 15 Feb. 2026.
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