im ‧ pli ‧ ca ‧ tion S3 W2 AC /ˌɪmpləˈkeɪʃ ə n, ˌɪmplɪˈkeɪʃ ə n/ BrE AmE noun
[ Word Family: verb : ↑ implicate ; noun : ↑ implication ]
[ Word Family: verb : ↑ imply ; noun : ↑ implication ]
1 . [countable usually plural] a possible future effect or result of an action, event, decision etc
implication of
What are the implications of these proposals?
This election has profound implications for the future of U.S. democracy.
consider/discuss/examine the implications
His talk will examine the wider implications of the Internet revolution.
practical/financial/political etc implications
2 . [uncountable] a situation in which it is shown or suggested that someone or something is involved in a crime or a dishonest act ⇨ implicate
the implication of somebody (in something)
the implication of the former Chief of Staff in a major scandal
3 . [uncountable and countable] a suggestion that is not made directly but that people are expected to understand or accept ⇨ imply :
They are called ‘Supertrams’, the implication being that (=which is meant to suggest that) they are more advanced than earlier models.
by implication
The law bans organized protests and, by implication, any form of opposition.
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COLLOCATIONS
■ adjectives
▪ important/serious implications
The results of the experiment could have important implications for scientists.
▪ major implications (=very important or serious)
The lack of affordable housing has major implications for families living in rural areas.
▪ profound implications (=extremely important or serious)
The transformation of Europe has profound implications for the defence industries.
▪ far-reaching implications (=causing things to change in an important way)
The cuts in social security benefits had far-reaching implications for ethnic minorities.
▪ the wider implications (=affecting more people or society in general)
What are the wider implications of this change in the law?
▪ the full implications (=all the different effects)
The full implications of the decision will become clear over the next few weeks.
▪ possible implications
We discussed the possible implications of oil price rises.
▪ practical implications
Academic research often has practical implications.
▪ financial implications
Managers must be aware of the financial implications of their decisions.
▪ political implications
The court’s decision could have far-reaching political implications.
▪ legal implications
We have taken advice on the legal implications of our activities.
▪ social implications
She’s studying the social implications of different patterns of work.
■ verbs
▪ have implications
This is an environmental disaster which will have implications for more than one country.
▪ consider the implications
Have you considered the implications of your choice?
▪ discuss the implications
The paper discusses the implications of the agreement.
▪ study/examine the implications
He has studied the implications of recent technical innovations.
▪ realize/grasp the implications (=understand what they are)
The government has been slow to grasp the implications of the current teacher shortage.