consequence

noun

con·​se·​quence ˈkän(t)-sə-ˌkwen(t)s 

-kwən(t)s

1

: a conclusion derived through logic : inference

… we can deduce … many consequences each of which can be tested by experiment.

—James Bryant Conant

2

: something produced by a cause or necessarily following from a set of conditions

the economic consequences of the war

This refined taste is the consequence of education and habit.

—Joshua Reynolds

3

a

: importance with respect to power to produce an effect

a mistake of no consequence

a problem of grave international consequence

b

: social importance

a person of some consequence

4

: the appearance of importance

especially : self-importance

You will find his consequence very just and reasonable when you see him in his family. … He has a fine dignified manner, which suits the head of such a house …

—Jane Austen

Phrases

in consequence

: as a result

Synonyms

• aftereffect
• aftermath
• backwash
• child
• conclusion
• corollary
• development
• effect
• fate
• fruit
• issue
• outcome
• outgrowth
• precipitate
• product
• result
• resultant
• sequel
• sequence
• upshot

Choose the Right Synonym for consequence

importance, consequence, moment, weight, significance mean a quality or aspect having great worth or significance.

importance implies a value judgment of the superior worth or influence of something or someone.

a region with no cities of importance

consequence generally implies importance because of probable or possible effects.

the style you choose is of little consequence

moment implies conspicuous or self-evident consequence.

a decision of great moment

weight implies a judgment of the immediate relative importance of something.

the argument carried no weight with the judge

significance implies a quality or character that should mark a thing as important but that is not self-evident and may or may not be recognized.

the treaty's significance

Examples of consequence in a Sentence

The slightest error can have serious consequences.

What were the economic consequences of the war?

The decrease in sales was a consequence of some bad publicity about the company.

Some say many jobs will be lost as a consequence of the trade agreement.

He weighed the consequences of making a career change.

The style you choose is of no consequence.

Recent Examples on the Web

Failure to take cybersecurity seriously could lead to dire economic and reputational consequences and negatively impact the lives of millions of users. —Earl Carr, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024

Speculation has been growing over leaks on the (ISS), with reports in the media suggesting that astronauts may have to evacuate or face dire consequences. —Tom Howarth, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024

Her thesis and accompanying work investigated military pollution at Fort Ord in Monterey, California, and the resulting public health consequences. —Condé Nast, WIRED, 1 Nov. 2024

As the devastating consequences from the nearly 1.3°C (2.34°F) of global warming to date become increasingly apparent, more calls have been made to conduct geoengineering experiments. —Andrew Freedman, Axios, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, "result, outcome, something following logically from a premise," borrowed from Anglo-French consequens, consequence, borrowed from Latin consequentia "succession of events, logical outcome, necessary sequence," noun derivative of consequent-, consequens, past participle of consequī "to come after, succeed in time, follow as a necessary consequence" — more at consequent entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing consequence

• as a consequence of
• in consequence of
• self-consequence

Kids Definition

consequence

noun

con·​se·​quence ˈkän(t)-sə-ˌkwen(t)s 

-si-kwən(t)s

1

: result entry 2 sense 1, effect entry 1 sense 1

2

: importance that comes from the power to produce an effect

a mistake of no consequence