How to Pronounce "snowball effect"
expression
ˈsnoʊˌbɔɫ/ /ˈifɛkt/, /əˈfɛkt/, /ɪˈfɛkt
SNOH-bawl i-FEKT, uh-FEKT, ih-FEKT
snˈəʊbɔːl/ /ɪfˈɛkt
snOH-bawl if-EKT
Definition
The snowball effect is when something small grows bigger and bigger over time, like a snowball rolling down a hill collecting more snow. It often describes situations where small actions or problems create much larger results later.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈsnoʊˌbɔɫ/ /ˈifɛkt/, /əˈfɛkt/, /ɪˈfɛkt
British English
snˈəʊbɔːl/ /ɪfˈɛkt
Simplified Pronunciation
US
SNOH-bawl i-FEKT, uh-FEKT, ih-FEKT
UK
snOH-bawl if-EKT
Listen in Context
If you save a little money every week, the snowball effect will help your savings grow fast.
Missing one day of work can start a snowball effect of falling behind.
Small acts of kindness can create a snowball effect in a community.
It started with just one complaint, but the snowball effect turned it into a major issue for the company.