Unintended consequences are outcomes that are not anticipated or intended when a particular action or decision is taken. These consequences can be positive, negative, or both.
Related terms
Ripple effect: The ripple effect refers to how an initial action can create a series of additional actions and impacts beyond what was initially expected.
Butterfly effect: The butterfly effect illustrates how a small action or event can have far-reaching and unpredictable consequences in complex systems.
Trade-off: A trade-off refers to giving up one thing in order to gain or achieve something else. It often involves weighing the pros and cons of different options.