consequential

adjective

con·​se·​quen·​tial ˌkän(t)-sə-ˈkwen(t)-shəl 

1

: of the nature of a secondary result : indirect

insurance against consequential loss

2

: consequent

oversupply and the consequential plummeting prices

3

: having significant consequences : important

a grave and consequential event

consequential decisions

4

: self-important

consequentiality

ˌkän(t)-sə-ˌkwen(t)-shē-ˈa-lə-tē 

noun

consequentially

ˌkän(t)-sə-ˈkwen(t)-sh(ə-)lē 

adverb

consequentialness

ˌkän(t)-sə-ˈkwen(t)-shəl-nəs 

noun

Did you know?

Consequential dates from the 17th century and can be traced back to the Latin verb consequi, meaning "to follow along." Consequi, in turn, combines the prefix con-, meaning "through" or "with," and sequi, meaning "to follow." The English words sequel, second, and suitor are among the offspring of sequi. Henry Fielding's 1728 comedy Love in Several Masques introduced the meaning of "important" to consequential, which had until that point been used primarily in the context of results. Evidence for this usage declined temporarily in the 19th century, causing its acceptability to be questioned by such commentators as H. W. Fowler; it resurfaced in the 20th century, however, and is now considered standard.

Synonyms

• attendant
• consequent
• due (to)
• resultant

Examples of consequential in a Sentence

There have been several consequential innovations in their computer software.

The change to the schedule is not consequential.

Recent Examples on the Web

Decentralized Masters and its affiliates, including marketing and PR agencies, disclaim any liability for any direct, indirect, or consequential losses or damages of any kind arising from reliance upon any information contained within this article or linked resources. —Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024

Oppositionist forces captured Damascus over the weekend, unseating the Assad regime after over 50 years in power and profoundly altering the political trajectory of the region and one of its most consequential powers. —Joseph Epstein, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024

The teaser trailer unveils a changing world, where the Shadow’s roots have taken hold and the battle between Light and Dark has become so consequential that Moiraine (Rosamund Pike) and Egwene (Madeleine Madden) will stop at nothing to keep from losing Rand (Josha Stradowski) to the darkness. —Denise Petski, Deadline, 7 Dec. 2024

Hegseth is going to be having more meetings with consequential senators, including Collins and Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a key GOP Swing vote. —Lalee Ibssa, ABC News, 6 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin consequentiālis, from Latin consequentia "succession of events, consequence" + -ālis -al entry 1

First Known Use

1626, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Kids Definition

consequential

adjective

con·​se·​quen·​tial ˌkän(t)-sə-ˈkwen-chəl 

1

: consequent

2

: having important consequences

Legal Definition

consequential

adjective

con·​se·​quen·​tial ˌkän-si-ˈkwen-chəl 

: of the nature of an indirect or secondary result