side effect

Universal Words noun [usuallypl.] 1 an extra and usually bad effect that a drug has on you, as well as curing illness or pain: The drug has few side effects. * Side effects include skin rashes and nausea. 2 an unexpected result of a situation or course of action that happens as well as the result you were aiming for: Opponents of the policy fear that it could have unfortunate side effects on the economy.