Word
consequence
Phoneticscon·se·quence, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkɑnsəkwəns/
UK/kˈɒnsɪkwəns/
Definitions
01a result
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun
n. a result or effect of an action or condition, especially one that is bad.
n. a result or effect of an action or condition; frequently used to denote a negative outcome.
日本語:結果※
“If you don't study for the exam, you will have to face the consequences.”
“The environmental consequences of the oil spill were far more severe than the initial reports had suggested to the public.”
Usage
Often used in the plural 'consequences' when discussing potential risks.
02importance
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal
n. the quality of being important or having a big influence.
n. importance, significance, or social distinction.
“The exact date of the meeting is of little consequence as long as everyone attends.”
“In the grand scheme of the negotiations, the minor disagreement over the font size was of no consequence to the final agreement.”
Usage
Commonly appears in the phrase 'of little consequence' or 'of no consequence'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03to discipline
C2 · Proficiency Informal
v. to give a child a punishment or a result for their bad behaviour.
v. to apply a specific consequence or disciplinary action to a person, typically a child, following misbehaviour.
“The teacher had to consequence the student for repeatedly interrupting the lesson.”
“Modern parenting strategies often suggest that parents should consequence their children immediately so the link between action and result is clear.”
Usage
This is a relatively modern, often pedagogical usage where the noun is converted into a transitive verb.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “consequence” in context.
Verb
01. accept consequence
“He was willing to accept the consequences of his actions.”
verb + noun
02. consequence arise
“Several legal consequences arise from this change in ownership.”
noun + verb
03. consequence follow
“A period of social unrest followed as a consequence of the tax hike.”
noun + verb
04. consider consequence
“You should carefully consider the consequences before making a decision.”
verb + noun
05. consequence of climate
06. consequences for the people
07. as a direct consequence of
“The forest fires started as a direct consequence of the heatwave.”
08. assess consequence
09. avoid consequence
10. consequence direct
11. consequence of
12. deal with the consequences
“The government is still dealing with the consequences of the crisis.”
Confusables
Result is the neutral outcome of an action, while consequence implies a negative or serious logical follow-up.
RememberResult is the score; consequence is the penalty.
Etymology
From Middle English consequence, from Old French consequence, from Latin consequentia. While analysable as con- + sequence, its adjective form has a different origin.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- 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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/consequence
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0