Meaning & use
consequences
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“consequences” is a form of “consequence”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
nounplural
The results or effects that follow from an action or decision, often unpleasant ones.
Grammar: Usually plural when it means results: the consequences were serious.
Patterns
- the consequences of something
- face the consequences
Skipping the safety check had terrible consequences for the whole team.
You have to accept the consequences of your choices.
The consequences of the storm were felt for months.
noununcountableformal
The importance of something, usually in the phrase of no consequence, meaning it does not matter.
Grammar: In this sense the word is usually singular: a matter of no consequence.
Patterns
- of no consequence
The delay was of no consequence to us.
He brushed off the mistake as a matter of little consequence.
It is a minor issue of no real consequence.
Word forms
| singular | consequence |
|---|
Common combinations
- face the consequences
- If you break the rules, you will have to face the consequences.
- serious consequences
- Ignoring the warning could have serious consequences.
- far-reaching consequences
- The new law had far-reaching consequences for small farmers.
- unintended consequences
- The change led to a few unintended consequences.
- suffer the consequences
- He forgot to back up his work and suffered the consequences.
- in consequence of
- In consequence of the delay, the match was cancelled.
Synonyms and how they differ
- results
- Results is neutral and covers good or bad outcomes, while consequences often suggests something serious or unwelcome.
- effects
- Effects stresses the direct impact of a cause, while consequences often adds the idea of responsibility for a choice.
- outcomes
- Outcomes is the way things finally end up, while consequences often points to what follows from a particular action.
- repercussions
- Repercussions is stronger and nearly always means unpleasant, lasting results, so it is more dramatic than consequences.
Word family
- consequence noun
- the singular form
- consequent adjective
- following as a result
- consequently adverb
- as a result
- consequential adjective
- important, or following as a result
- inconsequential adjective
- not important
Commonly confused: consequences or conscience?
consequences vs conscience
Conscience is the inner sense of right and wrong, while consequences are the results of what you do.
Practice
If you ignore the speed limit, you must be ready to face the ___.
Choose one answer.
Face the consequences means accept the results of your actions. Conscience is tempting because of its sound, but you do not face a conscience in this expression.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “consequences”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.