Meaning of the word "side effects" in English

What does "side effects" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

side effects

US /ˈsaɪd ɪˌfɛkts/
UK /ˈsaɪd ɪˌfɛkts/

Plural Noun

1.

secondary, usually undesirable, effects of a drug or medical treatment

Example:
The medication has several common side effects, including nausea and dizziness.
Always read the leaflet for a full list of potential side effects.
2.

unintended or unexpected consequences of an action or decision

Example:
The new policy had some unforeseen side effects on employee morale.
While the new software improved efficiency, it also had some negative side effects on system stability.