ENGLISH
REFERENCE

implication

n.
US //ˌɪmpɫəˈkeɪʃən// UK //ˌɪmplɪkˈeɪʃən// im·pli·ca·tion
  1. 1 a possible result (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a possible effect or result that might happen in the future because of a decision.

    a possible future effect or result of an action or decision. Often used in the plural to discuss long-term consequences.

    Example

    The new law has serious implications for small businesses in this city.

    Example

    Economists are still debating the long-term implications of the central bank's decision to raise interest rates during a period of low growth.
  2. 2 something suggested (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    something that is suggested or understood without being said directly.

    the conclusion that can be drawn from something although it is not explicitly stated.

    Example

    The implication of his comments was that the project would be cancelled.

    Example

    While she never mentioned names, the clear implication of her speech was that the current leadership had failed to meet its targets.
    • explicit statement
  3. 3 involvement in a crime (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Law

    the act of showing that someone is involved in a crime or something bad.

    the conclusion or suggestion that someone is involved in a crime or a morally wrong act.

    Example

    The evidence led to the implication of several high-ranking officials in the scandal.

    Example

    The witness's testimony resulted in the implication of the CEO in the fraudulent accounting scheme that had been operating for years.
  4. 4 logical if-then (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Academic Technical Math

    a relationship between two ideas where if the first one is true, the second must also be true.

    a relationship between two propositions such that the second must be true if the first is true.

    Example

    In logic, the implication 'if it rains, the ground is wet' is a simple rule.

    Example

    The researcher explored the logical implication of the theorem, demonstrating that the initial premises necessitated the final conclusion.
    • logical consequence
    • entailment
Origin

From Middle French implication, from Latin implicationem (accusative of implicatio).Equivalent to implicate + -ion.

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

Related words

Last updated June 20, 2026