consequence

[kon-si-kwens, -kwuhns]

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.

consequence

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• nonconsequence noun
• superconsequence noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of consequence¹

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

Idioms and Phrases

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.

see in consequence; of consequence.

Synonym Study

See effect. See importance.

Example Sentences

Prof Ashwin Kumar, director of research and policy at the IPPR, said higher taxes were needed on the industry, particularly for online betting, to reflect the negative consequences gambling has on some people.

Read more on BBC

Real Madrid expressed opposition when the fixture was announced, stating the consequences would be "so serious", while Uefa "reluctantly" approved the move.

Read more on BBC

These are unintended consequences from AI that, he says, is increasingly showing signs of being self-aware.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

That dirty air did a similar job to shipping in reflecting sunlight away, while cleaning it up could have had the unintended consequence of allowing more ocean heating.

Read more on BBC

Failure to assess the consequences properly ahead of time could result in lost jobs and failed businesses.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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