consequence

noun

con·​se·​quence ˈkän(t)-sə-ˌkwen(t)s 

-kwən(t)s

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

Phrases

in consequence

: as a result

Synonyms

• result
• outcome
• resultant

Choose the Right Synonym for 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

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 on the Web

The episode underscores the precariousness of elite status in Putin’s Russia—and the unpredictable consequences for those who lose the president’s trust. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 7 July 2025

What are the consequences of relying on a workforce of mainly undocumented individuals? From Dresser's perspective, undocumented workers are especially vulnerable when law enforcement agencies focus more on immigration status and less on violations of workers' rights. —Sophie Carson, jsonline.com, 7 July 2025

Wealthy nations and corporations benefit from AI's capabilities while poorer communities disproportionately suffer from its environmental consequences. —Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025

And when diapers run out, the consequences are immediate and compounding: Babies sit in dirty diapers, rashes turn into infections, day care turns kids away, and parents miss shifts and risk losing their jobs. —Amy Kadens, Chicago Tribune, 7 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, "result, outcome, something following logically from a premise," borrowed from Anglo-French consequens, consequence, borrowed from Latin consequentia "succession of events, logical outcome, necessary sequence," noun derivative of consequent-, consequens, past participle of consequī "to come after, succeed in time, follow as a necessary consequence" — more at consequent entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing consequence

• as a consequence of
• in consequence of
• self-consequence

Rhymes for consequence

• inconsequence

Kids Definition

consequence

noun

con·​se·​quence ˈkän(t)-sə-ˌkwen(t)s 

-si-kwən(t)s

1

: result entry 2 sense 1, effect entry 1 sense 1

2

: importance that comes from the power to produce an effect

a mistake of no consequence