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unintended consequence

[/ˌʌnɪnˈtendɪd ˈkɒnsɪkwəns/]
nounpl: unintended consequences
consequência não intencional
1. A result or effect that was not planned or foreseen when an action was taken; an unexpected outcome of a decision or policy
The new traffic law had the unintended consequence of increasing congestion on side streets.
A nova lei de trânsito teve a consequência não intencional de aumentar o congestionamento nas ruas secundárias.
2. An unforeseen side effect or secondary result that occurs as a byproduct of implementing a plan or action
Social media was created to connect people, but one unintended consequence has been increased mental health issues among teenagers.
As redes sociais foram criadas para conectar pessoas, mas uma consequência não intencional tem sido o aumento de problemas de saúde mental entre adolescentes.
Synonyms
side effectunforeseen consequenceunexpected outcomeunintended resultsecondary effect
Antonyms
intended consequenceexpected outcomeplanned result

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
consequência não intencional / efeito colateral não previsto
Standard usage in Brazil
São Paulo
consequência não planejada
Common in business and policy contexts
Portugal
consequência não intencional / efeito secundário imprevisto
Standard usage in Portugal

Related Idioms & Phrases

the law of unintended consequences
no good deed goes unpunished
blow back
collateral damage
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