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 Saints mounted a comeback by scoring 13 consecutive points in the second half of their Week 10 rematch with Carolina, sweeping the season series on the year. —Charlotte Observer, 15 Dec. 2025

Playoffs outcome for the Chiefs According to USA TODAY's Nate Davis, the Chiefs' bid to win a 10th consecutive AFC West title officially ended in Week 14. —Bryan West, USA Today, 14 Dec. 2025

Collectively, the team missed sixteen consecutive three-point attempts. —Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 14 Dec. 2025

Julius Randle had 24 points and nine rebounds for the Timberwolves (17-9), who were without their best player with Anthony Edwards missing his second consecutive game due to right foot soreness. —Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 14 Dec. 2025

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