consequence

noun

con·​se·​quence ˈkän(t)-sə-ˌkwen(t)s 

-kwən(t)s

1

: a conclusion derived through logic : inference

… we can deduce … many consequences each of which can be tested by experiment.

—J. B. Conant

2

: something produced by a cause or necessarily following from a set of conditions

the economic consequences of the war

This refined taste is the consequence of education and habit.

—Joshua Reynolds

3

a

: importance with respect to power to produce an effect

a mistake of no consequence

a problem of grave international consequence

b

: social importance

a person of some consequence

4

: the appearance of importance

especially : self-importance

You will find his consequence very just and reasonable when you see him in his family. … He has a fine dignified manner, which suits the head of such a house …

—Jane Austen

see also:

in consequence

Synonyms of consequence

• result
• outcome
• resultant

Choose the Right Synonym for consequence

importance, consequence, moment, weight, significance mean a quality or aspect having great worth or significance.

importance implies a value judgment of the superior worth or influence of something or someone.

a region with no cities of importance

consequence generally implies importance because of probable or possible effects.

the style you choose is of little consequence

moment implies conspicuous or self-evident consequence.

a decision of great moment

weight implies a judgment of the immediate relative importance of something.

the argument carried no weight with the judge

significance implies a quality or character that should mark a thing as important but that is not self-evident and may or may not be recognized.

the treaty's significance

Examples of consequence in a Sentence

The slightest error can have serious consequences.

What were the economic consequences of the war?

The decrease in sales was a consequence of some bad publicity about the company.

Some say many jobs will be lost as a consequence of the trade agreement.

He weighed the consequences of making a career change.

The style you choose is of no consequence.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Cornell 7 lawsuit refers to the legal document filed by an unnamed Cornell University student who accused seven men of raping and drugging her at a frat house party in October 2024 — and faced no legal consequences. — Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026

But since that process can take years, those decisions can still have important real-world consequences. — Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026

But for the practitioners who see mathematical truth as an end rather than a means, the consequences of this race are becoming harder and harder to predict. — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 6 Oct. 2026

In wave election years, as this year is expected to be, the party that gains seats in Congress often had more competitive primaries, a consequence of the increase in candidates seeking nomination and the enthusiasm of voters. — Robert Boatright, The Conversation, 6 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, "result, outcome, something following logically from a premise," borrowed from Anglo-French consequens, consequence, borrowed from Latin consequentia "succession of events, logical outcome, necessary sequence," noun derivative of consequent-, consequens, past participle of consequī "to come after, succeed in time, follow as a necessary consequence" — more at consequent entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing consequence

• as a consequence of
• in consequence
• in consequence of
• self-consequence

Rhymes for consequence

• inconsequence

Kids Definition

consequence

noun

con·​se·​quence ˈkän(t)-sə-ˌkwen(t)s 

-si-kwən(t)s

1

: result entry 2 sense 1, effect entry 1 sense 1

2

: importance that comes from the power to produce an effect

a mistake of no consequence