consequence

noun

con·​se·​quence ˈkän(t)-sə-ˌkwen(t)s How to pronounce consequence (audio)
-kwən(t)s
1
: a conclusion derived through logic : inference
… we can deduce … many consequences each of which can be tested by experiment.James Bryant 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
Phrases
in consequence
: as a result
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 But using sunscreen—or any skincare product in general—past its shelf life can come with some major consequences. Audrey Noble, Vogue, 9 Mar. 2024 This disruption may be invisible to us, but the consequences can be profound. TIME, 9 Mar. 2024 The consequence: Germs spread from food workers’ hands to food, which can trigger an outbreak of dangerous foodborne illness in restaurants. Parija Kavilanz, CNN, 8 Mar. 2024 Consider the consequences had the Supreme Court ruled against Trump. Larry Elder, Orange County Register, 8 Mar. 2024 Last year, 13 GOP attorneys general warned CEOs of the 100 biggest U.S. companies that there could be legal consequences for using race as a factor in hiring and employment practices. Freida Frisaro, Fortune, 7 Mar. 2024 The Biden campaign has long maintained Biden's struggling poll numbers don't accurately reflect where things will stand in November when voters have a clear choice − and consider the consequences of a second Trump presidency. Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 7 Mar. 2024 With nearly everyone in the U.S. having some degree of immunity against the virus (CDC estimates 98% of Americans have been infected or vaccinated or both), the consequences of infection in 2024 are just very different for the majority. Ashish K. Jha, STAT, 6 Mar. 2024 Kleptomania is considered an impulse control disorder and can lead to significant distress, impairment in social or occupational functioning and legal consequences if not treated. Mark Travers, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'consequence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of consequence was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near consequence

Cite this Entry

“Consequence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consequence. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

consequence

noun
con·​se·​quence ˈkän(t)-sə-ˌkwen(t)s How to pronounce consequence (audio)
-si-kwən(t)s
1
2
: importance that comes from the power to produce an effect
a mistake of no consequence

More from Merriam-Webster on consequence

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!