Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
paradoxical effect
noun
/ˌpær.əˈdɒk.sɪ.kəl ɪˈfɛkt/
Definition
A situation in which an action or treatment produces an outcome that is contrary to what is expected.
Examples
- In some patients, medication that is supposed to calm anxiety may have a paradoxical effect, increasing their restlessness instead.
- The paradoxical effect of the therapy led to confusion among the doctors, as they expected improvement but noticed worsening symptoms.
Meaning
Paradoxical effect refers to scenarios where the results of a certain action or intervention are opposite to the intended or predicted effect.
Synonyms
- counterintuitive effect
- unexpected outcome
- contradictory effect
