cumulative effect

noun

: an effect produced by something happening over a long period of time
the cumulative effect(s) of smoking on the body

Examples of cumulative effect in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Compounding wisdom is the cumulative effect of thoughtful decisions—shaped by patience, discipline and a willingness to focus on the long term when others become distracted by short-term outcomes—repeated consistently over long periods of time. Christopher Poch, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026 The difference likely is multifold and surely part of a cumulative effect of compressed offseasons after playing 21 postseason games in the previous seven seasons. Kansas City Star, 16 Aug. 2026 Were my tears simply the cumulative effect of relaxation, beauty, and time in unusually close quarters with strangers encouraged to be vulnerable? Charley Ward, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Aug. 2026 These seemingly modest improvements can have a cumulative effect over time. Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cumulative effect

Cite this Entry

“Cumulative effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cumulative%20effect. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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