A1 noun Neutral

side effect

/ˌsaɪd ɪˈfekt/

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 5
1

I 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.

2

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.

3

This medicine works well, but the side effects are really annoying.

This medicine works well, but the side effects are really annoying.

Word Family

Noun
side effect
Related
effect
💡

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

1

I feel very sleepy, which is a side effect of this cold medicine.

everyday

I feel very sleepy, which is a side effect of this cold medicine.

2

The doctor must explain every possible side effect to the patient before the surgery.

formal

The doctor must explain every possible side effect to the patient before the surgery.

3

This medicine works well, but the side effects are really annoying.

informal

This medicine works well, but the side effects are really annoying.

4

The researchers documented several side effects during the clinical trial of the drug.

academic

The researchers documented several side effects during the clinical trial of the drug.

5

The new policy had a positive side effect: employees started talking to each other more.

business

The new policy had a positive side effect: employees started talking to each other more.

Word Family

Noun
side effect
Related
effect

Common Collocations

common side effect common side effect
serious side effect serious side effect
suffer from side effects suffer from side effects
list of side effects list of side effects
minor side effect minor side effect

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

side effect vs symptom

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

Countable noun Often used with the preposition 'of' Usually plural
🌍

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

More medicine words

psychologist

A1

A psychologist is a professional who studies the human mind and behavior. They help people understand their feelings and solve emotional problems through talking and therapy.

anesthesiologist

A1

A doctor who gives patients medicine so they do not feel pain during surgery. They also monitor the patient's breathing and heart rate while the patient is asleep during an operation.

cardiologist

A1

A cardiologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the study, diagnosis, and treatment of heart conditions. They help patients manage heart diseases and issues related to blood vessels.

pediatrician

A1

A pediatrician is a special doctor who looks after the health of babies, children, and teenagers. They help young people stay healthy and treat them when they are sick or injured.

radiologist

A1

A radiologist is a doctor who looks at special pictures like X-rays or MRI scans. They help other doctors understand what is happening inside a patient's body.

gynecologist

A1

A gynecologist is a special doctor who looks after women's health. They specifically help with the female reproductive system and pregnancy.

ophthalmologist

A1

A 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

A1

A 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.

operating room

A1

An operating room is a special room in a hospital where doctors perform medical operations or surgeries. It is a very clean and sterile place filled with lights, monitors, and tools used to help patients.

symptom

A1

A symptom is a physical or mental feature which indicates a condition of disease or a health problem. It is typically something that the person experiences and describes to a doctor, such as pain, tiredness, or a cough.

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