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
With climate change, storms are becoming bigger and wetter and are bringing large amounts of rain to inland areas, often with deadly consequences.
—Greg Allen, NPR, 1 June 2025
For decades, residential development has occurred to the east and west despite the significant adverse health consequences for neighbors.
—Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2025
When the bombs start to fall, each sister will find that her notions about love have been shattered, with consequences neither could have foreseen.
—Alida Becker, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Permitting Russia to annex Ukrainian territory without consequence could undermine the international community's credibility if China does the same in Taiwan or the Philippines, French President Emmanuel Macron warned on Friday.
—Micah McCartney Asia Security Reporter, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for consequence
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Greg Allen, NPR, 1 June 2025
For decades, residential development has occurred to the east and west despite the significant adverse health consequences for neighbors.
—Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 1 June 2025
When the bombs start to fall, each sister will find that her notions about love have been shattered, with consequences neither could have foreseen.
—Alida Becker, New York Times, 30 May 2025
Permitting Russia to annex Ukrainian territory without consequence could undermine the international community's credibility if China does the same in Taiwan or the Philippines, French President Emmanuel Macron warned on Friday.
—Micah McCartney Asia Security Reporter, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 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 5 Jun. 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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