Word
aftermath
Phoneticsaf·ter·math, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈæftɝˌmæθ/
UK/ˈɑːftəmˌæθ/
Definitions
01consequences of a disaster
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the situation that exists after a big event, especially a bad one like a war, accident, or storm.
n. the period immediately following a catastrophic event and the resulting social or physical effects. Uncountable in most contexts.
“Many people were left without homes in the aftermath of the flood.”
“In the immediate aftermath of the financial crisis, the government introduced several emergency measures to prevent a total collapse of the banking sector.”
Synonyms
02a second harvest
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Cooking Archaic · Technical
n. a second crop of grass that grows in the same season after the first harvest.
n. a second mowing of grass; the crop that grows after the first hay harvest of the season.
“The farmer hoped for a good aftermath to feed his cattle through the winter.”
“The late summer rains ensured a lush aftermath, providing the livestock with ample grazing land before the first frost arrived.”
Usage
This is the original literal meaning of the word, though it is now rarely used outside of historical or agricultural contexts.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “aftermath” in context.
Verb
01. deal with the aftermath
“The local council struggled to deal with the aftermath of the devastating floods.”
verb + prep + noun
02. survey the aftermath
“Rescue workers arrived at dawn to survey the aftermath of the plane crash.”
verb + noun
Adjective
03. bloody aftermath
“The documentary depicts the bloody aftermath of the civil war in harrowing detail.”
adj + noun
04. chaotic aftermath
“The chaotic aftermath of the revolution led to months of political instability.”
adj + noun
05. immediate aftermath
“In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, the priority was to provide clean water.”
adj + noun
Noun
06. aftermath of the war
“The country's economy was completely ruined in the aftermath of the war.”
noun + of + noun
Preposition
07. in the aftermath of
“Many new safety regulations were introduced in the aftermath of the factory explosion.”
prep + noun + prep
Real-World Examples
“Images of the aftermath appeared to show passengers standing on top of the toppled carriages of the Southern service, while others could be seen in an area of heathland alongside emergency workers.” “The video was taken on Thursday night by someone helping in the aftermath, after multiple fires tore through the West Midlands.” “James Webb has captured a striking new infrared view of NGC 2392, the Lion Nebula, revealing the dramatic aftermath of a dying Sun-like star.” Etymology
From after- + math (“a mowing”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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