# implication

/ˌɪmpɫəˈkeɪʃən/ (US) · /ˌɪmplɪkˈeɪʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/implication
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. a possible result

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

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

noun · CEFR B2

something that is suggested or understood without being said directly.

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

- The implication of his comments was that the project would be cancelled.
- While she never mentioned names, the clear implication of her speech was that the current leadership had failed to meet its targets.

### 3. involvement in a crime

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

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

- The evidence led to the implication of several high-ranking officials in the scandal.
- The witness's testimony resulted in the implication of the CEO in the fraudulent accounting scheme that had been operating for years.

### 4. logical if-then

noun · CEFR C2 · Academic · Technical

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

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

- In logic, the implication 'if it rains, the ground is wet' is a simple rule.
- The researcher explored the logical implication of the theorem, demonstrating that the initial premises necessitated the final conclusion.

## Examples

- The new law has serious implications for small businesses.
- The research team spent months discussing the ethical implications of their findings before publishing the final report.
- While the CEO did not explicitly mention layoffs, the implication of his speech regarding cost-cutting measures was clear to everyone in the room.

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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.