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
-
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.
It marked the UK's ninth consecutive month of above-average temperatures.
From BBC ● Nov. 3, 2026
The new orders index expanded for the 10th consecutive month after four straight readings in contraction.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 2, 2026
Factory activity expanded in the U.S. in October for the 10th consecutive month, according to a survey of manufacturing firms.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 2, 2026
The result also meant City lost consecutive Premier League games for the first time in 14 months.
From BBC ● Oct. 31, 2026
The timing of these tests is important to the patients of Carville, because the clinical rules are clear: Residents may not leave until they receive twelve consecutive negative tests.
From "At Last She Stood" by Erin Entrada Kelly
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Get a wordDefinitions 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.
