consequence

consequence — noun

1. Something that follows directly from an earlier action, decision, or situation —

1.nounB1
Definition

Something that follows directly from an earlier action, decision, or situation — especially when that result is unwanted or negative.

Example

Beatrix lost her job as a direct consequence of the budget cuts at her firm.

direct consequence of [noun phrase]

The long-term consequences of the factory fire are still being studied.

long-term consequences of [noun]

Common collocations
  • serious consequences
  • direct consequence
  • face the consequences
  • suffer the consequences
  • as a consequence of
  • unintended consequences
  • long-term consequences
  • negative consequences
Synonyms
  • result

    Broader and more neutral; can refer to any outcome, positive or negative

  • outcome

    Focuses on the end point of a process, often with a sense of finality

  • aftermath

    Specifically refers to the period following a destructive event; always negative

  • repercussion

    Suggests an indirect or secondary effect that spreads widely

Antonyms
  • cause

    Consequence is the effect; cause is what produces it

  • origin

    The starting point rather than the resulting outcome

Grammar Patterns

the consequences of [noun/gerund]

consequence + of + noun phrase

as a consequence of [noun]

face/suffer/accept the consequences

Usage Note

Frequently used with possessives ('the consequences of your actions') and with adjectives that evaluate severity ('serious', 'dire', 'unintended'). The plural form 'consequences' is more common than the singular in everyday speech.

Common Mistakes

He lost his money as a consequence for gambling.
He lost his money as a consequence of gambling.
The preposition after 'consequence' must be 'of', not 'for'.
The consequence for the mistake was a fine.
The consequence of the mistake was a fine.
Use 'of' before the cause; use 'for' only before the person affected ('consequences for the company').

2. Used in fixed phrases such as 'of little consequence' or 'of no consequence' to

2.nounB2
Definition

Used in fixed phrases such as 'of little consequence' or 'of no consequence' to indicate that something lacks importance or does not matter.

Example

The colour of the walls is of little consequence — what really matters is the location.

be of little consequence

Whether the meeting is on Monday or Tuesday is of no consequence to the team.

be of no consequence to [someone]

Common collocations
  • of little consequence
  • of no consequence
  • of great consequence
  • of some consequence
  • of minor consequence
  • of major consequence
Synonyms
  • importance

    Neutral and more widely usable across grammatical patterns

  • significance

    Slightly more formal; often implies deeper meaning or impact

  • weight

    Informal and metaphorical; suggests influence or seriousness

  • note

    Used in 'of note', a similar fixed phrase meaning 'important or famous'

Antonyms
  • triviality

    Direct opposite — the quality of being unimportant or insignificant

Grammar Patterns

of + [adjective] + consequence

be of little/no/major/great/some consequence

Usage Note

This sense only occurs in the pattern 'of + adjective + consequence'. It cannot stand alone — you cannot say 'This has consequence' to mean 'This matters'. Common adjectives used in this pattern are 'little', 'no', 'great', 'some', 'major', and 'minor'.

Common Mistakes

This matter has consequence for our decision.
This matter is of great consequence for our decision.
In this sense, 'consequence' must follow 'of + adjective', not stand alone as a direct object.
The consequence of this issue is low.
This issue is of little consequence.
Do not use 'consequence' with 'low' or 'high'; use the fixed 'of + adjective + consequence' pattern instead.
Idioms

in consequence (of something)

idiom

This phrase means because of something that happened earlier.

The flight was delayed in consequence of the heavy snowstorm.

Maya forgot her umbrella and got wet in consequence.

Word family

  • consequent
    adjectiveB2
  • consequently
    adverbB2
  • consequential
    adjectiveC1
  • inconsequential
    adjectiveC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All five words refer to something that happens because of a cause, but they differ in scope and connotation. 'Result' is the most general and neutral term — it can describe any outcome, whether positive or negative. 'Outcome' emphasizes the final stage of a process, often carrying an element of uncertainty ('the outcome of the trial'). 'Consequence' implies a direct causal link between an action and what follows, and it is often used when the result is unwanted. 'Aftermath' is specifically reserved for the period following a destructive event such as a disaster or war. 'Repercussion' refers to an indirect or secondary effect that spreads outward from the original action, usually with negative implications. For clarity: 'The result of the test was good.' 'The outcome of the election surprised everyone.' 'She lost her job as a consequence of her dishonesty.' 'In the aftermath of the earthquake, rescue teams arrived.' 'The new policy had serious repercussions for small businesses.'

result ↗outcome ↗aftermath ↗repercussioneffect ↗

Common collocations

Phrases

  • as a consequence

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

From Latin 'consequentia' (that which follows logically), from 'consequi' (to follow after), which combines 'com-' (together with) and 'sequi' (to follow). The word came into English through Old French in the 1400s, originally carrying a logical meaning before broadening into general use.