consequence

noun con·se·quence \ ˈkän(t)-sə-ˌkwen(t)s , -kwən(t)s \

|Updated on: 11 Aug 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: consequence in a Sentence

Definition of consequence

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

— in consequence

: as a result

See consequence defined for English-language learners

See consequence defined for kids

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 of consequence from the Web

Doing it for the ‘gram can have serious consequences.

— blake bakkila, Health.com, "A Shark Took a Bite Out of This Instagram Model’s Arm While She Was Posing for a Beach Shot in the Bahamas," 11 July 2018
In addition, the impact of alcohol is not felt equally by all: The most vulnerable among us suffer the greatest consequences.

— christina mair, Philly.com, "Alcohol kills many more Americans than opioids do. Why do we think drinking is healthy?," 9 July 2018
Over time, people who do shift work or travel frequently can suffer health consequences from the misalignment of their internal clocks with one another and with the external world.

— emily sohn, Washington Post, "Time-zone changes can leave people worried about jet lag," 7 July 2018
This girl is still suffering consequences from that.

— callie beusman, The Cut, "The Lasting Trauma of Family Detention," 6 July 2018
The Franks stymied efforts to flee from Europe would have fateful consequences.

— brigit katz, Smithsonian, "Anne Frank’s Family Tried to Escape to the United States, New Research Shows," 6 July 2018
Latest Stories The world's two biggest economies have fired the opening shots in a trade war that could have wide-ranging consequences.

— NBC News, "China says it must 'counterattack' after U.S. tariff hike officially takes effect," 6 July 2018
But, there are a lot of special interests in Washington who benefit financially from Obamacare, while American families suffer its consequences.

— jason williams, Cincinnati.com, "PX column: Aftab Pureval builds war chest as outside groups spend big money attacking Chabot," 3 July 2018
Fireworks accidents happen and can have serious consequences.

— kevin davenport, idahostatesman, "O say can you see? The science behind the booms and blooms of Independence Day fireworks," 3 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'consequence.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of consequence

see ¹consequent

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

consequence Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of 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

Other Logic Terms

a posteriori, connotation, corollary, inference, mutually exclusive, paradox, postulate, syllogism

CONSEQUENCE Defined for English Language Learners

consequence

noun

Definition of consequence for English Language Learners

: something that happens as a result of a particular action or set of conditions
: importance or value

CONSEQUENCE Defined for Kids

consequence

noun con·se·quence \ ˈkän-sə-ˌkwens \

Definition of consequence for Students

1 : something produced by a cause or following from a condition

Her fear of stairs is a consequence of her fall.

2 : real importance

His promotion is of no consequence to me.

Word Root of consequence

The Latin word sequī, meaning “to follow,” and its form secutus give us the roots sequ and sec. Words from the Latin sequī have something to do with following. Something second follows what came first. A sequel is a book or movie that follows another and continues the story. A sequence is the order in which one thing follows another. A consequence is a result that follows from a condition or action.