subsequent

American  

[suhb-si-kwuhnt] / ˈsʌb sɪ kwənt /

adjective

1. occurring or coming later or after (often followed byto ).

   subsequent events;

   Subsequent to their arrival in Chicago, they bought a new car.

2. following in order or succession; succeeding.

   a subsequent section in a treaty.

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subsequent British  

/ ˈsʌbsɪkwənt /

adjective

1. occurring after; succeeding

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Other Word Forms

• subsequently adverb
• subsequentness noun

Etymology

Origin of subsequent

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from Latin subsequent-, stem of subsequēns “following close behind,” present participle of subsequī “to follow close behind,” equivalent to sub- sub- + sequ(ī) “to follow”

Explanation

For something that comes after something else in time or order, choose the adjective subsequent. If the entire class fails an exam, the teacher will hopefully make subsequent ones a little easier. Subsequent comes from the Latin subsequi "to follow closely" and means just that - following or coming after. If you say, "in 1990 and subsequent years," it includes 1990, whereas "the years subsequent to 1990" do not include it. When you mention a car crash and subsequent traffic jam or a scandal and subsequent investigation, one follows the other in order but a cause and effect relationship is implied too.

Example Sentences

In a subsequent filing, the company acknowledged that the restructuring would result in “substantial dilution” to current shareholders.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 12, 2026

Companies would be fined up to $5,000 for the first nondisclosure violation and up to $10,000 for any subsequent violation.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

The shout was not edited out of the subsequent TV broadcast, which aired on BBC One on a two-hour delay, and the ceremony remained available to stream on iPlayer until the morning after.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

Markets finally got the cease-fire they have been aching for, and the subsequent relief rally was fast, furious, and jubilant—no matter that the truce is temporary and fragile.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

A subsequent investigation revealed that the primary motivation for the raid was the possibility of forfeiting Scott’s property.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander

Related Words

• consecutive
• consequent
• ensuing
• following
• successive