Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

after-the-fact

adjective
/ˈæf.tər ði fækt/
Definition
done or decided after something has occurred, typically referring to a judgment or decision that is made retrospectively.
Examples
  • The company implemented new safety measures after-the-fact, once the accidents had already occurred.
  • His criticism was after-the-fact, as he didn’t voice his concerns while the project was ongoing.
  • They made an after-the-fact evaluation of the project’s success after all the data was analyzed.
Meaning
The term ‘after-the-fact’ describes actions or evaluations that happen post-event, rather than beforehand.
Synonyms
  • retrospective
  • ex post facto
  • subsequent