The phrase "lag effect" refers to the delay or time gap between an action or event and its consequences or noticeable impact. It means that the full effect or result of something may take some time to be seen or felt. Full definition
The fact that the southern oceans are absorbing heat may set up another interesting lag effect. (realclimate.org)
For a period after that, in the second half of 2001, the annual figure may then be held down by lagged effects of some indirect tax reductions. (rba.gov.au)
Lowered positive affect had the opposite lagged effect for people high in trait spirituality, who experienced small increases in spirituality, than for those low in trait spirituality, who experienced small decreases in spirituality. (positivepsychologynews.com)