# consequence

/ˈkɑnsəkwəns/ (US) · /kˈɒnsɪkwəns/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/consequence
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. a result

noun · CEFR B1

a result or effect of an action or condition, especially one that is bad.

For teachers: a result or effect of an action or condition; frequently used to denote a negative outcome.

- 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.

### 2. importance

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the quality of being important or having a big influence.

For teachers: 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'.

### 3. to discipline

verb · CEFR C2 · Informal

to give a child a punishment or a result for their bad behaviour.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The consequence of not paying the bill was a late fee.
- The government announced new policies to address the consequence of rising unemployment rates.
- The consequence of prolonged isolation during the pandemic was a significant increase in mental health issues among the elderly.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.