# consideration

/kənˌsɪdɝˈeɪʃən/ (US) · /kənsˌɪdəɹˈeɪʃən/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. careful thought

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- After much consideration, I have decided to accept the new job offer.
- The board of directors took the proposal under consideration, promising a final verdict once the financial implications were fully audited.

### 2. a factor to think about

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- Safety is our main consideration when designing new cars for families.
- Environmental considerations played a pivotal role in the planning phase, leading the architects to prioritise sustainable materials over cheaper alternatives.

### 3. kindness toward others

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- Please show some consideration for the neighbors and turn down the music.
- The manager's consideration for her staff's well-being during the crisis earned her the lifelong loyalty of the entire department.

### 4. payment or reward

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

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

- He agreed to help move the furniture for a small financial consideration.
- The consultant provided the sensitive data only after receiving a substantial consideration for his time and professional risk.

### 5. legal contract value

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical · Formal

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

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

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

### 6. importance or status

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal · Literary

the quality of being important or deserving of attention.

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

- This is a matter of great consideration for the future of our town.
- The diplomat was a man of some consideration in international circles, often consulted on matters of delicate maritime law.

## Examples

- The committee will give your proposal careful consideration.
- After much consideration, the board decided to approve the merger despite the potential risks involved.
- The judge noted that while the defendant's clean record was a significant consideration, the severity of the current offense necessitated a custodial sentence.

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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.