English Reference
noun

consideration

n.
US /kənˌsɪdɝˈeɪʃən/ UK /kənsˌɪdəɹˈeɪʃən/ con·sid·er·a·tion UK spelling considerations

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    the act of thinking about something very carefully before making a choice.

    the process of deliberate and careful thought or reflection before reaching a conclusion.

    Simple

    After much consideration, I have decided to accept the new job offer.

    In context

    The board of directors took the proposal under consideration, promising a final verdict once the financial implications were fully audited.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    a fact or detail that you must think about when making a plan or decision.

    a specific factor, circumstance, or motive taken into account when making a judgement or decision.

    Simple

    Safety is our main consideration when designing new cars for families.

    In context

    Environmental considerations played a pivotal role in the planning phase, leading the architects to prioritise sustainable materials over cheaper alternatives.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    the habit of thinking about other people's feelings and needs.

    thoughtfulness and sensitivity toward the needs, feelings, or circumstances of others.

    Simple

    Please show some consideration for the neighbors and turn down the music.

    In context

    The manager's consideration for her staff's well-being during the crisis earned her the lifelong loyalty of the entire department.

    thoughtfulnesskindnessempathy
    selfishnessthoughtlessness
  4. 04 C1 Advanced Formal

    a payment or reward given to someone for a service they provided.

    a payment, fee, or other recompense given in exchange for a service or benefit.

    Simple

    He agreed to help move the furniture for a small financial consideration.

    In context

    The consultant provided the sensitive data only after receiving a substantial consideration for his time and professional risk.

    paymentfeerecompense
  5. 05 C2 Proficiency TechnicalFormal Law

    something of value given by one person to another to make a contract legal.

    the inducement to a contract; something of value bargained for and exchanged between parties that makes a promise legally binding.

    Simple

    A contract is not valid unless there is some form of consideration from both sides.

    In context

    The court ruled that the agreement lacked sufficient consideration, as the plaintiff had offered nothing of tangible value in exchange for the defendant's promise.

    inducementquid pro quo
  6. 06 C1 Advanced FormalLiterary

    the quality of being important or deserving of attention.

    the state of being held in high regard or deemed worthy of notice.

    Simple

    This is a matter of great consideration for the future of our town.

    In context

    The diplomat was a man of some consideration in international circles, often consulted on matters of delicate maritime law.

    insignificance

Usage consideration all other road · deserve consideration · detailed consideration

Political scientist Ibrahim Rabaia told Al Jazeera that the proposed move appeared to be driven by political considerations and questioned how broadly it could be implemented.

Al Jazeera· 14 Aug 2026

In January this year, the Labour government introduced a ban on junk food advertising before 21:00 on television and at any time online after almost a decade of consideration.

BBC News· 7 Aug 2026

From Middle English consideracioun, from Old French consideracion, from Latin cōnsīderātiō. By surface analysis, consider + -ation.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin cōnsīderātiō
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated