ratchet effect
originally Economics
noun
An effect whereby a trend or tendency in cost, demand, etc., is maintained incrementally so that it becomes, or appears to become, irreversible; also in extended use.
Origin
1950s.
- predelineation
- predelinquency
- pre-delinquent
- predelinquent
- pre-delivery
- predella
- predentary
- predentate
- predesign
- predesignate
- predesignation
- predestinarian
- predestinarianism
- predestinary
- predestinate
- predestinately
- predestination
- matronhood
- matronise
- matronize
- matronizing
- matronlike
- matronliness
- matronly
- matron of honour