Impact: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe a strong or significant influence or effect on something. Often used in more serious or formal contexts.

• The new regulations had a major impact on the company's profits.
• Climate change is having a noticeable impact on wildlife.

Describes a change which is a result or consequence of an action or other cause. It is more general and can be used in both scientific and everyday contexts.

• The medication had an immediate effect.
• The new law will take effect next month.

Indicates the power to have an important effect on someone or something. It often suggests a subtle or not immediately obvious control or impact.

• Her positive attitude was a great influence on her colleagues.
• The book had a profound influence on his thinking.

Refers to a result or effect of an action or condition, usually with a negative or neutral connotation. Often implies some level of inevitability or seriousness.

• Carelessly tossing rubbish can have serious environmental consequences.
• She didn't consider the long-term consequences of her decisions.

Describes something that happens or exists because of something else. It is quite similar to 'effect' but is often used in more situational or immediate contexts.

• He studied hard, and as a result, he passed his exams.
• The team's hard work yielded positive results.

Refers to the final result of a process, meeting, or activity. It is often used in contexts like research, experiments, or any scenario where a result is expected.

• The outcome of the election was unexpected.
• Researchers are eagerly awaiting the outcomes of the clinical trials.

Use this word when talking about a strong and often sudden effect on something or someone. It is often used in serious or significant situations.

• The earthquake had a severe impact on the city's infrastructure
• Her speech made a profound impact on the audience

Use this word when describing how something changes or influences the state or condition of something else. It generally describes a more subtle or ongoing change.

• The new law will affect small businesses differently than large corporations
• Her mood can affect how well she performs at work

Use this word to describe the ability to affect decisions, actions, or thinking, often in a subtle or indirect way.

• Her advice had a significant influence on my career path
• Social media influencers have the power to influence consumer behavior

Use this word when referring to making something different, altering its state or condition fundamentally. It is a general term that can apply to a wide range of scenarios.

• You need to change your habits if you want to lose weight
• They decided to change the company's logo to attract younger customers

Use this word when talking about making small changes to something, often to improve it or make it more suitable.

• We need to modify the design of the product to meet customer needs
• The teacher modified the lesson plan to better suit the students' interests

Use this word when describing a complete or major change in someone or something, often leading to improvement.

• The new technology has the potential to transform the healthcare industry
• He transformed his garage into a home office