consequential

[ kon-si-kwen-shuhl ]

adjective

1. following as an effect, result, or outcome; resultant; consequent.
2. following as a logical conclusion or inference; logically consistent.
3. of significance or importance:

   His writings offer insight into his personality, opinions, and strengths, and show early evidence of the consequential man he would become.

4. having important effects or results:

   Being a lawyer, I knew that a consequential decision should not depend on an informal phone conversation.

5. Archaic. self-important; pompous.

consequential

/ ˌkɒnsɪˈkwɛnʃəl /

adjective

1. important or significant
2. self-important; conceited
3. following as a consequence; resultant, esp indirectly

   consequential loss

Usage

Although both consequential and consequent can refer to something which happens as the result of something else, consequent is more common in this sense in modern English: the new measures were put into effect, and the consequent protest led to the dismissal of those responsible

Derived Forms

• ˌconseˌquentiˈality, noun
• ˌconseˈquentially, adverb

Other Words From

• con·se·quen·ti·al·i·ty [kon-si-kwen-shee-, al, -i-tee], con·se·quen·tial·ness noun
• con·se·quen·tial·ly adverb
• non·con·se·quen·tial adjective
• non·con·se·quen·tial·ly adverb
• non·con·se·quen·tial·ness noun
• non·con·se·quen·ti·al·i·ty noun
• qua·si-con·se·quen·tial adjective
• qua·si-con·se·quen·tial·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of consequential¹

First recorded in 1620–30; from Latin consequenti(a) “sequence (of events), logical sequence” + -al adjective suffix; consequence, -al ¹

Example Sentences

“William & Mary continues to be dedicated to telling a fuller, more consequential account of our history,” Whitson wrote.

From Washington Post

In case you were distracted by more consequential matters, the window for prospective entries in Chicago opened on January 12 and the race is slated for October 10.

From Outside Online

These digital inequities predate the pandemic but have become more consequential at a time when Americans have little choice but to stay home.

From Washington Post

The coronavirus has led many to reassess the risks and sacrifices that come with the job, and how consequential health care will be in a post-pandemic world.

From Vox

They will know the most consequential choice of his professional career erred on the side of medicine.

From Washington Post

The most consequential single task before the Abadi government in coming weeks is the choice of Interior Minister.

From The Daily Beast

The second seems as consequential for the next election as JFK running on not being Truman.

From The Daily Beast

But those literary skills were immensely consequential to the ultimate shape of his legendary career.

From The Daily Beast

He wrote consequential articles and books and would have written many more.

From The Daily Beast

You know, troubled and certainly having a different kind of wiring that lends itself to conscience and consequential behavior.

From The Daily Beast

Sir Lionel at once puffs out a little, as though feeling consequential.

From Project Gutenberg

"I'll have you to know, sir, that I am fully entitled to act as I am doing," he said with a consequential air.

From Project Gutenberg

"Well, why don't you come when I call," said Mick with a consequential air.

From Project Gutenberg

These she deposited on the slope in front of the house with consequential air.

From Project Gutenberg

He does not plant himself in the midst of his company, neither does he assume the consequential manners of a dictator.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• far-reaching
• meaningful
• momentous
• substantial
• weighty