afterthought

noun

af·​ter·​thought ˈaf-tər-ˌthȯt 

1

: an idea occurring later

2

: something (such as a part or feature) not thought of originally : something secondary

Examples of afterthought in a Sentence

Then I remembered, almost as an afterthought, to feed the cat.

The fact was hidden deep in the report, almost as an afterthought.

The lounge was added to the office as an afterthought.

Recent Examples on the Web

But their actions have reduced them to an irrelevant afterthought in the sport’s most important deals. —Sam Blum, The Athletic, 10 Dec. 2024

Development managers would ensure that skills are not an afterthought but a priority. —Nirit Cohen, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024

These fashion houses might seem a bit late to the fine fragrance game but their entry into the category doesn’t feel like an afterthought. —Sophia Panych, Allure, 23 Nov. 2024

The original smart displays — the Echo Show and Nest Hub — were designed as voice-first devices with laggy touch control added as an afterthought. —Jennifer Pattison Tuohy, The Verge, 22 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

after- + thought entry 1

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

afterthought

noun

af·​ter·​thought -ˌthȯt 

1

: a later thought about something one has done or said

2

: something not thought of originally