Causes, systems and unintended effects
Open a theme, then select a word or phrase for its meaning, example and pronunciation.
1. Dependencies and mechanisms (20 entries)
- precipitating event
- causal asymmetry
- have a cascading effect
- a conditioning variable
- underpin
- be contingent upon
- confound
- amplify a disturbance
- stem from
- be predicated on
- instigate
- a mutually reinforcing cycle
- a self-limiting process
- entrench a disparity
- perpetuate a cycle
- exhibit path dependence
- precipitate
- underlie
- accentuate a tendency
- catalyse
2. Feedback and thresholds (20 entries)
- nonlinearity
- lock-in
- self-organisation
- intensify a feedback loop
- dampen a fluctuation
- a ripple effect
- automatic stabilisers
- a fiscal multiplier
- a structural deficit
- sensitivity to initial conditions
- fiscal drag
- an inverted yield curve
- second-order consequence
- equilibrium
- credit rationing
- a yield curve
- a sovereign spread
- an impaired asset
- a regressive levy
- a progressive rate structure
3. Change and persistence (20 entries)
- path-dependent choice
- counterfactual
- path dependence
- hysteresis
- avoid overattribution
- externality
- make a causal link explicit
- dynamic inconsistency
- moral hazard
- as things stand
- a self-fulfilling prophecy
- dwindle
- anticipate second-order effects
- for the foreseeable future
- aggravate
- have had one's day
- render obsolete
- exacerbate
- deterrent
- benefit cliff
4. Disruption and constraint (20 entries)
- vulnerable to disruption
- unworkable
- robust in the face of change
- infeasible
- insurmountable
- fettered by
- tractable
- hamstrung by
- feasible
- impracticable
- amenable to change
- workable
- taxing
- susceptible to influence
- intractable
- practicable
- recalcitrant
- onerous
- a throughput constraint
- scarcity
5. Unintended consequences (20 entries)
- set the stage for something
- a counterproductive inducement
- sow the seeds of something
- reap what one sows
- have a sting in the tail
- throw a spanner in the works
- swing the pendulum the other way
- make a virtue out of necessity
- give someone a taste of their own medicine
- an unintended knock-on effect
- tip the balance in someone's favour
- put the cat among the pigeons
- give someone enough rope
- set the cat among the pigeons
- throw a curveball
- turn the tables on someone
- a rebound effect
- upset the apple cart
- precedent effect
- steal someone's thunder
