side effect
A side effect is an extra result of a medicine or treatment that was not intended. It is often an unpleasant feeling, like a headache or tiredness, that happens while you are trying to get better.
Examples
3 of 5I feel very sleepy, which is a side effect of this cold medicine.
I feel very sleepy, which is a side effect of this cold medicine.
The doctor must explain every possible side effect to the patient before the surgery.
The doctor must explain every possible side effect to the patient before the surgery.
This medicine works well, but the side effects are really annoying.
This medicine works well, but the side effects are really annoying.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'side' door in a building. The 'front' door is the main cure, and the 'side' door is where the extra, unwanted things come in.
Quick Quiz
The most common ___ of this flu shot is a sore arm.
Correct!
The correct answer is: side effect
Examples
I feel very sleepy, which is a side effect of this cold medicine.
everydayI feel very sleepy, which is a side effect of this cold medicine.
The doctor must explain every possible side effect to the patient before the surgery.
formalThe doctor must explain every possible side effect to the patient before the surgery.
This medicine works well, but the side effects are really annoying.
informalThis medicine works well, but the side effects are really annoying.
The researchers documented several side effects during the clinical trial of the drug.
academicThe researchers documented several side effects during the clinical trial of the drug.
The new policy had a positive side effect: employees started talking to each other more.
businessThe new policy had a positive side effect: employees started talking to each other more.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
experience a side effect
experience a side effect
risk of side effects
risk of side effects
minimize side effects
minimize side effects
Often Confused With
A symptom is a sign of your illness; a side effect is caused by the treatment for that illness.
Usage Notes
The term is most often used in plural (side effects) because most medicines cause more than one extra reaction.
Common Mistakes
Learners often write 'side affect'. Remember that 'effect' is the noun (the thing) and 'affect' is usually the verb (the action).
Memory Tip
Think of a 'side' door in a building. The 'front' door is the main cure, and the 'side' door is where the extra, unwanted things come in.
Word Origin
From the word 'side' (not main) and 'effect' (result), used since the mid-1800s to describe secondary results of drugs.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many English-speaking countries, television advertisements for medicine are legally required to list all possible side effects, often very quickly at the end.
Quick Quiz
The most common ___ of this flu shot is a sore arm.
Correct!
The correct answer is: side effect
Related Vocabulary
A pharmacy is a store where you can buy medicine and health...
symptomA symptom is a physical or mental feature which indicates a...
dosageThe exact amount of medicine that a person should take at a...
medicineMedicine is a substance used to treat, prevent, or cure an i...
treatmentTreatment is medical care given to a patient for an illness...
prescriptionRelating to a medicine or treatment that can only be obtaine...
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cardiologist
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radiologist
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gynecologist
A1A gynecologist is a special doctor who looks after women's health. They specifically help with the female reproductive system and pregnancy.
ophthalmologist
A1A special doctor who takes care of eyes. They can check your vision, give you medicine for eye problems, and do surgery if needed.
intensive care unit
A1A special department in a hospital that provides constant medical treatment for people who are very seriously ill or injured. It contains advanced medical equipment and a high ratio of doctors and nurses to patients.
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symptom
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