consequence

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A result or effect that follows from an action, choice, or event.

   Grammar: Often used with 'of': the consequence of a decision. It can be countable or uncountable depending on whether you mean a specific result or results in general.

   Patterns

   • a consequence of something
   • the consequences of doing something
   • have consequences
   • face the consequences

   Skipping class every week had serious consequences for his grades.

   One consequence of the new road was that the old shops lost customers.

   She didn't think about the consequences of posting that photo online.

2. 2noununcountableformal

   Importance or significance, especially in a phrase like 'of little consequence'.

   Grammar: Used in fixed phrases with 'of': of little/no/great consequence.

   Patterns

   • of little consequence
   • of no consequence
   • of great consequence

   The delay was of little consequence because the project was already behind schedule.

   Whether he agrees or not is of no consequence; the decision has been made.

   In this theory, individual intentions are of great consequence.

3. 3nouncountable

   A punishment or negative outcome that someone must accept because of their behavior.

   Grammar: Usually in the plural in this sense: 'the consequences' means the unpleasant results you must deal with.

   Patterns

   • face the consequences
   • accept the consequences
   • suffer the consequences

   If you break the rules, you have to face the consequences.

   He lied to his boss and now he must accept the consequences.

   The company is suffering the consequences of years of poor management.

Word forms

Common combinations

as a consequence

He missed the deadline and, as a consequence, lost the contract.

serious consequences

Driving without a license can have serious consequences.

unintended consequences

The law had unintended consequences for small businesses.

face the consequences

You made this choice, so you must face the consequences.

of little consequence

The mistake was of little consequence in the end.

Synonyms and how they differ

result

Result is neutral and simply states what happened; consequence often hints at a later or less welcome effect.

effect

Effect focuses on the change produced; consequence emphasizes what follows from an action or choice.

outcome

Outcome is often used for the final result of a process or event, not for a punishment.

Opposites

Word family

consequent adjective

Following as a result.

consequently adverb

As a result; therefore.

consequential adjective

Important or having significant effects.

Commonly confused: consequence or consequence?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “consequence”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words