# consequential

/ˌkɑnsəˈkwɛnʃəɫ/ (US) · /kˌɒnsɪkwˈɛnʃəl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/consequential
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

important or having a significant effect on the future. You use this to describe a decision or event that will change things in a big way.

For teachers: having significant or far-reaching consequences; important. Often describes events, decisions, or historical periods that alter the course of future developments.

## Examples

- The court's decision was highly consequential for the whole country.
- The discovery of the new vaccine proved to be the most consequential event of the decade for global health.
- Historians argue that the 1914 assassination was the most consequential act of the century, as it triggered a series of alliances that led directly to global conflict.

## Usage notes

- Often modified by degree adverbs like 'highly', 'deeply', or 'immensely'.

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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.