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
3a : importance with respect to power to produce an effect a mistake of no consequence a problem of grave international consequenceb : 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
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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
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Whether or not the governor signs the bill into action remains to be seen, but Illinois businesses Thursday were already grappling with the potential consequences.
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The emissions goals are voluntary with no real consequences for countries that fail to meet them.
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One of Carroll’s concerns is what consequences might come from silencing the HD gene.
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Unlike coffee, energy drinks are widely marketed to adolescents, putting them at risk of extreme caffeine overload with potentially devastating cardiovascular and neurological consequences.
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Democrats, teachers and advocates for Texas’ poor warned that the lean new budget for a booming state — which boasts four of the five fastest-growing large cities in the U.S. — will have lasting consequences.
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The most confronting consequences of the research may not even apply in an American setting.
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Protecting American workers sounds good in rhetoric, but has unintended consequences.
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In decades past, an OPEC decision to curb or increase production had wide consequences and would move markets.
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
First Known Use: 14th century
Synonym Discussion of consequence
Other Logic Terms
CONSEQUENCE Defined for English Language Learners
consequence
playDefinition of consequence for English Language Learners
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: something that happens as a result of a particular action or set of conditions
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: importance or value
CONSEQUENCE Defined for Kids
consequence
playDefinition 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.
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See words that rhyme with consequence Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for consequence Spanish Central: Translation of consequence Nglish: Translation of consequence for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of consequence for Arabic speakers
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