consideration

American  

[kuhn-sid-uh-rey-shuhn] / kənˌsɪd əˈreɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act of considering; careful thought; meditation; deliberation.

   I will give your project full consideration.

   Synonyms:

   contemplation, reflection, attention, rumination

2. something that is or is to be kept in mind in making a decision, evaluating facts, etc..

   Age was an important consideration in the decision.

3. thoughtful or sympathetic regard or respect; thoughtfulness for others.

   They showed no consideration for his feelings.

   Synonyms:

   concern, kindliness, kindness

4. a thought or reflection; an opinion based upon reflection.

5. a recompense or payment, as for work done; compensation.

   Synonyms:

   fee, remuneration

6. importance or consequence.

   Synonyms:

   moment, significance, weight

7. estimation; esteem.

   He is held in great consideration by the community.

8. Law.

   1. something that suffices to make an informal promise legally binding, usually some value given in exchange for the promise.

   2. the hearing of a case by a tribunal.

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idioms

1. in consideration of,

   1. in view of.

   2. in return or recompense for.

      She was offered money in consideration of her efforts.

2. take into consideration, to take into account; consider.

   We failed to take into consideration the large number of tourists attending the exhibition.

consideration British  

/ kənˌsɪdəˈreɪʃən /

noun

1. the act or an instance of considering; deliberation; contemplation

2. to bear in mind; consider

3. being currently discussed or deliberated

4. a fact or circumstance to be taken into account when making a judgment or decision

5. for no reason whatsoever; never

6. thoughtfulness for other people; kindness

7. payment for a service; recompense; fee

8. thought resulting from deliberation; opinion

9. law the promise, object, etc, given by one party to persuade another to enter into a contract

10. estimation; esteem

11. 1. because of

    2. in return for

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consideration More Idioms  

1. see in consideration of; take into account (consideration); under consideration.

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Related Words

See honor.

Other Word Forms

• nonconsideration noun
• overconsideration noun
• preconsideration noun
• subconsideration noun

Etymology

Origin of consideration

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin consīderātiōn-, stem of consīderātiō “contemplation, examination,” equivalent to consīderāt(us) “contemplated” ( considerate ) + -iō -ion

Explanation

Consideration is kindness and thoughtful regard for others, or an act of thoughtfulness. Treating others as you would have them treat you (the Golden Rule) is one example of consideration. The verb consider comes from the Latin for "contemplate," and hidden in the word is sid,, the Latin root for "star." Originally it meant to examine something very thoroughly, or carefully, as if you were staring at the night sky, contemplating its mystery. If you give something consideration, you think about it carefully, and not too quickly. When you’re making a tough decision, you need to give consideration to all possible outcomes before making up your mind.

Example Sentences

Thus, Phil has delayed his consideration as a candidate by another five years.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2026

In New Jersey -- the most densely populated state in the country -- numerous bills to regulate data centers are under consideration.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

Even in an era where the 200-inning starter has gone the way of the flannel uniform, Ohtani would need to log more innings to garner serious Cy Young consideration.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

Another consideration before you step onto a cruise ship, boat or train: Most standard travel-insurance policies do not cover pre-existing medical conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

“Now, the truth is they earn their living because you found them work, and that brings up a second consideration of this phase of your operation.”

From "Lawn Boy" by Gary Paulsen

Related Words

• development
• difficulty
• evidence
• factor
• idea
• issue
• judgment
• plan
• problem
• proposal