# consummate

/ˈkɑnsəˌmeɪt/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

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

## Definition

showing a very high level of skill or perfection. You use this to describe someone who is a complete master of their craft.

For teachers: showing a high degree of skill and flair; complete or perfect in every respect. Often used attributively to describe professional mastery or personal qualities.

## Examples

- She is a consummate professional who never misses a deadline.
- The pianist performed with consummate skill, making the most difficult passages look effortless to the audience.
- His reputation as a consummate liar made it impossible for the jury to believe even the verifiable parts of his testimony.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He is a professional consummate." but "He is a consummate professional." — This adjective almost always precedes the noun it describes rather than following a linking verb.

## Usage notes

- Typically placed before the noun it modifies. When used as an adjective, the stress is on the first syllable (CON-su-mate).

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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.