consequence

American  

[kon-si-kwens, -kwuhns] / ˈkɒn sɪˌkwɛns, -kwəns /

noun

1. the effect, result, or outcome of something occurring earlier.

   The accident was the consequence of reckless driving.

   Synonyms:

   sequel, upshot, issue, outcome

   Antonyms:

   cause

2. an act or instance of following something as an effect, result, or outcome.

3. the conclusion reached by a line of reasoning; inference.

4. importance or significance.

   a matter of no consequence.

   Synonyms:

   weight, moment

5. importance in rank or position; distinction.

   a man of great consequence in art.

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idioms

1. in consequence of, as a result of; on account of.

   A trial was held in consequence of the investigation.

2. in consequence, consequently; as a result; hence.

   He withdrew from the world, and in consequence was forgotten.

consequence British  

/ ˈkɒnsɪkwəns /

noun

1. a result or effect of some previous occurrence

2. an unpleasant result (esp in the phrase take the consequences )

3. significance or importance

   it's of no consequence

   a man of consequence

4. logic

   1. a conclusion reached by reasoning

   2. the conclusion of an argument

   3. the relations between the conclusion and the premises of a valid argument

5. the relation between an effect and its cause

6. as a result

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consequence More Idioms  

1. see in consequence; of consequence.

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Related Words

See effect. See importance.

Other Word Forms

• nonconsequence noun
• superconsequence noun

Etymology

Origin of consequence

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English (from Anglo-French ), from Latin consequentia. See consequent, -ence

Example Sentences

He instead argued that the speed at which commanders are now taking action is a "consequence of the increased efficiency" that Maven has enabled.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

But the significance of these cases runs deeper: They threaten the legal architecture that has allowed Big Tech to reap trillions of dollars in profits with little risk of consequence in court.

From Slate • Mar. 30, 2026

Authorities have been aggressively shutting down cybercrime rings—with the unintended consequence of tutoring them in covering their tracks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

A more immediate consequence could be to make large technology companies rethink their implementation of artificial-intelligence technology.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

She will be the one who suffers the biggest consequence.

From "A Place at the Table" by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan

Related Words

• aftereffect
• aftermath
• effect
• fallout
• issue
• reaction
• repercussion