consecutive

adjective

con·​sec·​u·​tive kən-ˈse-kyə-tiv 

-kə-tiv

: following one after the other in order : successive

served four consecutive terms in office

consecutiveness noun

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Concurrent and Consecutive

Consecutive has a good deal in common with the complementary word concurrent. Besides the fact that both begin with the prefix con- (meaning “with, together”), each word deals with the time-order in which several things happen. Concurrent describes things that are occurring, or people who are doing something, at the same time, such as “concurrent users” of a computer program. Consecutive refers to things that are arranged or happen in a sequential order. A criminal who serves a consecutive sentence does time for one conviction after another. If that person gets a concurrent sentence, he or she undergoes all punishments at the same time.

Synonyms of consecutive

• successive
• straight

Examples of consecutive in a Sentence

the team's winning streak has lasted for seven consecutive games

Recent Examples on the Web

The 42-year-old was defeated by Yadier del Valle via first-round TKO in just 35 seconds, marking his second consecutive stoppage loss. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

In a report Monday, Windward said Kharg’s western terminal had seen no loadings for 22 consecutive days, the liquid petroleum gas terminal for 13 days and the eastern terminal for 10 days. — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026

This season’s team has to make up for the departure of Mike Evans and his 11 consecutive campaigns of 1,000-plus receiving yards. — Abby Disalvo, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Aug. 2026

Hebron Christian has won consecutive Private championships with consecutive first-year coaches. — Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 9 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Medieval Latin; Middle French consecutif "following one after the other," borrowed from Medieval Latin consecūtīvus "following as a result or effect," from Latin consecūtus, past participle of consequī "to come after, succeed in time, follow as a necessary consequence" + -īvus -ive — more at consequent entry 2

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for consecutive

• executive

Kids Definition

consecutive

adjective

con·​sec·​u·​tive kən-ˈsek-(y)ət-iv 

: following one after the other in order

consecutively adverb

Etymology

from French consécutif "following in a series, consecutive," from Latin consecutus, past participle of consequi "to follow," from con, com- "with, together" and sequi "to follow" — related to sequel

Legal Definition

consecutive

adjective

con·​sec·​u·​tive

: following one after the other in order

consecutively adverb