consequently

American  

[kon-si-kwent-lee, -kwuhnt-] / ˈkɒn sɪˌkwɛnt li, -kwənt- /

adverb

1. as a result, effect, or outcome; therefore.

   There has been a great deal of rain and consequently the reservoirs are full.

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consequently British  

/ ˈkɒnsɪkwəntlɪ /

adverb

1. as a result or effect; therefore; hence

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Related Words

See therefore.

Etymology

Origin of consequently

First recorded in 1375–1425; consequent + -ly

Compare meaning

How does consequently compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• subsequently vs. consequently

Explanation

Consequently is a word that has to do with cause and effect. If you failed math, you'll consequently have to take it again. Sometimes, we don't know why things happen. Other times, we can see one thing leading to another. That's when you can use the word consequently. An employer could say, "We're losing money. Consequently, we have to fire you." The city might say, "It snowed three feet. Consequently, there's no school." If you know that a consequence is the effect or result of something, then that should help you remember how to use consequently.

Example Sentences

A third of the world's fertiliser usually passes through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been effectively blocked during the conflict and consequently prices have shot up in recent weeks.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

Copper-mining stocks have consequently underperformed since the conflict began, he says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

That meant that urine samples with high sugar content could have started fermenting and consequently generated alcohol that could have skewed the test result or created a false positive.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026

An oil shock is generally understood to mean a supply shortage that sparks a sharp rise in oil prices and consequently a negative impact on global economic growth, although there is no single definition.

From Barron's • Mar. 17, 2026

There were clearly a lot of people who cared deeply about Walter and consequently cared about what I did and how I could help.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson