consecutive
Americanadjective
-
following one another in uninterrupted succession or order; successive.
six consecutive numbers, such as 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.
- Synonyms:
- continuous
-
marked by logical sequence.
-
Grammar. expressing consequence or result.
a consecutive clause.
adjective
-
(of a narrative, account, etc) following chronological sequence
-
following one another without interruption; successive
-
characterized by logical sequence
-
music another word for parallel
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grammar expressing consequence or result
consecutive clauses
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of consecutive
First recorded in 1605–15; consecut(ion) + -ive
Explanation
If things are consecutive, they happen one after the other with no break. If there are five consecutive snowstorms on five consecutive days, you'll have to shovel your way out on day six. Consecutive comes from the Latin consecutus, meaning "following closely" with no gap. Just like those snowstorms — one storm happened each day, back to back, for five days in a row. Consecutive numbers also follow each other, or advance in the right order. For example, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 are consecutive numbers. You should number the pages on a term paper to keep them consecutive so the teacher doesn't get confused.
Vocabulary lists containing consecutive
Essential Academic Vocabulary for High School Students, List 2
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List 4
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ACT Vocabulary List
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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.
A global bond-market rout is pressuring stocks on Tuesday, sending major U.S. indexes lower for a third consecutive session.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 18, 2026
TOKYO—The Japanese economy notched a third consecutive quarter of growth, but at a slower pace as household and corporate spending weakened.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 17, 2026
Shortly before that defeat to Liverpool, Guardiola signed a new contract at City , after suffering four consecutive defeats for the first time in his career.
From BBC ● Aug. 17, 2026
The Japanese economy notched a third consecutive quarter of growth, but at a slower pace as household and corporate spending weakened.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 17, 2026
Clement remains a top executive with the North Carolina Mutual and has served on the Durham city council for three consecutive terms.
From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
