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aftermath

American  
[af-ter-math, ahf-] / ˈæf tərˌmæθ, ˈɑf- /

noun

  1. something that results or follows from an event, especially one of a disastrous or unfortunate nature; consequence.

    the aftermath of war; the aftermath of the flood.

    Synonyms:
    upshot, result, outcome
  2. a new growth of grass following one or more mowings, which may be grazed, mowed, or plowed under.


aftermath British  
/ -ˌmæθ, ˈɑːftəˌmɑːθ /

noun

  1. signs or results of an event or occurrence considered collectively, esp of a catastrophe or disaster

    the aftermath of war

  2. agriculture a second mowing or crop of grass from land that has already yielded one crop earlier in the same year

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of aftermath

1515–25; after + math a mowing, Old English mǣth; cognate with Old High German mād ( German Mahd ); akin to mow 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Of course “Liberation Day” and its aftermath made for one of the wildest months ever.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

On Tuesday, Ivey posted another video in which he seemed to address the aftermath of his previous comments.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

A quick peace will likely lead to a messy aftermath and tricky negotiations between Iran, the U.S.,

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

In the aftermath of the rulings, Meta’s stock was trading at approximately 15x its projected 2027 earnings of $36.31 per share.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026

Also I can’t say that the bleak aftermath of a special agent’s unsuccessful mission has anything to recommend it.

From "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein