consequential

[kon-si-kwen-shuhl]

adjective

1. following as an effect, result, or outcome; resultant; consequent.

2. following as a logical conclusion or inference; logically consistent.

3. of significance or importance.

   His writings offer insight into his personality, opinions, and strengths, and show early evidence of the consequential man he would become.

4. having important effects or results.

   Being a lawyer, I knew that a consequential decision should not depend on an informal phone conversation.

5. Archaic.,  self-important; pompous.

consequential

/ ˌkɒnsɪˈkwɛnʃəl /

adjective

1. important or significant

2. self-important; conceited

3. following as a consequence; resultant, esp indirectly

   consequential loss

Usage

Although both consequential and consequent can refer to something which happens as the result of something else, consequent is more common in this sense in modern English: the new measures were put into effect, and the consequent protest led to the dismissal of those responsible

Other Word Forms

• consequentiality noun
• consequentially adverb
• consequentialness noun
• nonconsequential adjective
• nonconsequentially adverb
• nonconsequentialness noun
• nonconsequentiality noun
• quasi-consequential adjective
• quasi-consequentially adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of consequential¹

First recorded in 1620–30; from Latin consequenti(a) “sequence (of events), logical sequence” + -al adjective suffix; consequence, -al ¹

Example Sentences

In a little-noticed but immensely consequential First Amendment decision Sept. 30, a federal judge ruled that the IRS regulations on nonprofits’ political activity are unconstitutional.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

“A short course packs more interest per yard, as the shorter shots are so consequential,” he says.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Every weekday evening we highlight the consequential market news of the day and explain what's likely to matter tomorrow.

Read more on Barron's

These discussions are expected to be among the most consequential since the start of the war and could determine whether a path toward ending the conflict is finally within reach.

Read more on BBC

The talks are expected to be among the most consequential since the start of the war and could determine whether a path toward ending the conflict is finally within reach.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• far-reaching 
• meaningful 
• momentous 
• substantial 
• weighty