Blowback

usgb/ˈbləʊbæk/
noun

An unexpected negative result or reaction to an action.

The blowback from the company's decision to cut jobs was severe.
Visual representation of "blowback" - An unexpected negative result or reaction to an action.

Often appears as...

  • face blowback
  • risk blowback
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "blowback"
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Consequence Awareness

'Blowback' often implies that negative outcomes were not foreseen or considered.

Illustration for Consequence Awareness
The new policy caused blowback from the community.
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Not Immediate

The negative effects referred to by 'blowback' may not happen right away, but develop over time.

Illustration for Not Immediate
Weeks later, we're still dealing with the blowback from that interview.
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Intensity Varies

'Blowback' can range from mild dissatisfaction to intense backlash.

Illustration for Intensity Varies
The blowback was limited to a few negative comments online.
Word comparison image

Compare with

backlashboomerangconsequencefeed backrepercussionresponseretaliatericochet
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Visual representation of the word "Blowback"

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