consequence
noun
con·se·quence
ˈkän(t)-sə-ˌkwen(t)s 
-kwən(t)s
1
: a conclusion derived through logic : inference
… we can deduce … many consequences each of which can be tested by experiment.—
James Bryant Conant
James Bryant Conant2
: something produced by a cause or necessarily following from a set of conditions
the economic consequences of the war
This refined taste is the consequence of education and habit.—Joshua Reynolds
Joshua Reynolds3
a
: importance with respect to power to produce an effect
a mistake of no consequence
a problem of grave international consequence
b
: social importance
a person of some consequence
4
: the appearance of importance
especially
: self-importance
You will find his consequence very just and reasonable when you see him in his family. … He has a fine dignified manner, which suits the head of such a house … —Jane Austen
Jane Austen Examples of consequence in a Sentence
The slightest error can have serious consequences.
What were the economic consequences of the war?
The decrease in sales was a consequence of some bad publicity about the company.
Some say many jobs will be lost as a consequence of the trade agreement.
He weighed the consequences of making a career change.
The style you choose is of no consequence.
Recent Examples on the Web
But sometimes the consequences can be even worse, as the police now warn.
—Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
Some, however, focused on the consequences rather than causes.
—Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025
The worry is that if the nodules are indeed naturally producing oxygen, then the removal of those nodules could have grave consequences for the local ecosystem.
—Amber X. Chen, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 July 2025
But whatever new laws or regulations come into fruition on NIL for student athletes, the consequences could hit close to home for the president.
—Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 18 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for consequence
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Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
Some, however, focused on the consequences rather than causes.
—Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025
The worry is that if the nodules are indeed naturally producing oxygen, then the removal of those nodules could have grave consequences for the local ecosystem.
—Amber X. Chen, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 July 2025
But whatever new laws or regulations come into fruition on NIL for student athletes, the consequences could hit close to home for the president.
—Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 18 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for consequence
Cite this Entry
“Consequence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consequence. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
consequence
noun
con·se·quence
ˈkän(t)-sə-ˌkwen(t)s
-si-kwən(t)s
2
: importance that comes from the power to produce an effect
a mistake of no consequence
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