Impacts: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when referring to strong or noticeable changes or effects, often in a negative sense but not always. Often used in scientific or environmental discussions.

• The impacts of climate change are becoming more evident
• The accident had significant impacts on the traffic flow

Appropriate for general use when discussing changes that result from a specific cause. Can be positive, negative, or neutral.

• The side effects of the medication include dizziness and nausea
• Social media has a big effect on how we communicate

Suitable when talking about outcomes that naturally follow an action, often with a negative tone, indicating some form of resulting problem or setback.

• The consequences of breaking the law can be severe
• Poor decisions can have serious consequences

Used to talk about the outcome or conclusion of an action or process, often neutral or positive, particularly in scientific, academic, or formal contexts.

• The results of the test were announced yesterday
• Hard work leads to good results

Used to describe the strong effect or influence something has on a person, situation, or environment.

• The new law will have significant impacts on the economy.
• Climate change impacts various ecosystems around the world.

Used when two or more objects crash into each other, often by accident.

• The two cars collided at the intersection.
• Their conflicting ideas often collide during meetings.

Used to describe hitting someone or something with force or a sudden occurrence of a disastrous event.

• The boxer was able to strike his opponent with a powerful punch.
• The hurricane is expected to strike the coast overnight.

Used to describe the act of coming into contact with force, often in a sudden and unexpected manner.

• The baseball hit the window, breaking the glass.
• She hit her head on the low door frame.