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

Far more consequential was the development that followed: Quarterback Noah Fifita and receiver Tetairoa McMillan didn’t follow Fisch to Seattle. —Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 3 June 2024

The decision to do nothing was arguably more consequential than the alternative. —Megan Kimble, New York Times, 31 May 2024

In what became Disney’s most consequential board election in 20 years, Peltz repeatedly hammered the company for its missteps and bungled succession efforts. —Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2024

Cuba still remains on a separate, more consequential list of state sponsors of terrorism – a roster that also includes North Korea, Iran and Syria. —Max Greenwood, Miami Herald, 21 May 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