ENGLISH
REFERENCE

consideration

n.
US //kənˌsɪdɝˈeɪʃən// UK //kənsˌɪdəɹˈeɪʃən// con·sid·er·a·tion
  1. 1 careful thought (n.)
    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.

    Example

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

    Example

    The board of directors took the proposal under consideration, promising a final verdict once the financial implications were fully audited.
  2. 2 a factor to think about (n.)
    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.

    Example

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

    Example

    Environmental considerations played a pivotal role in the planning phase, leading the architects to prioritise sustainable materials over cheaper alternatives.
Show 4 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 kindness toward others (n.)
    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.

    Example

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

    Example

    The manager's consideration for her staff's well-being during the crisis earned her the lifelong loyalty of the entire department.
  2. 4 payment or reward (n.)
    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.

    Example

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

    Example

    The consultant provided the sensitive data only after receiving a substantial consideration for his time and professional risk.
  3. 5 legal contract value (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Formal 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.

    Example

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

    Example

    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.
    • inducement
    • quid pro quo
  4. 6 importance or status (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Literary

    the quality of being important or deserving of attention.

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

    Example

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

    Example

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

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

Idioms1 entry

© 2026 English Reference