plural consequences
1
: something that happens as a result of a particular action or set of conditions
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/considered the consequences of making a career change.
Note: If you face/suffer the consequences of something, you deal with the results of something that you have done.
2
formal
: importance or value
He was a man of consequence. [=he was an important man]
The outcome of the election will be of little consequence (to me). [=will not matter much to me]
The style you choose is of no consequence.
"What happened?" "Nothing of (any/great) consequence."
Cite this Entry
“Consequence.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/consequence. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.
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