consequence
gb/kˈɑnsəkwəns/ us/kˈɑnsəkwəns/
B1
English
~ 1300
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
a result or effect
Something that happens because of what someone does or what happens before.
Usage pattern:
[something] is a consequence of [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'consequence' with 'cause'. Remember, 'consequence' is the effect, not what makes it happen.
Synonyms
result (More general and commonly used in everyday speech; 'consequence' can imply significance or seriousness.)
|
outcome (Often used in contexts involving decisions or processes; slightly more formal.)
Antonyms
cause (Refers to what produces an effect, rather than the effect itself.)
Collocations
serious consequence
|natural consequence
|direct consequence
|face the consequences
|as a consequence
Themes
daily life
|logic
|cause and effect
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The accident was a direct consequence of careless driving.
- Failing the exam was the consequence of not studying.
- Global warming is a consequence of increased greenhouse gas emissions.
- His injury was an inevitable consequence of the dangerous sport.
- The new law had unintended consequences for small businesses.
Learner examples
- The fire was a consequence of the storm.
- Her illness is a consequence of not eating well.
- Losing the game was a consequence of poor teamwork.
- He lost his job as a consequence of being late every day.
Noun
formal
B2
entity
2
importance or significance
How important or serious something is.
Usage pattern:
of (great/little) consequence
Common mistake:
Learners may try to use this meaning in casual conversation where it can sound overly formal.
Synonyms
significance (Often interchangeable but 'significance' is more common in both formal and informal contexts.)
Antonyms
insignificance (Means having no importance or relevance.)
Collocations
of great consequence
|of little consequence
|matters of consequence
Themes
evaluation
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The decision is of great consequence to the future of the company.
- These details are of little consequence to the main argument.
- Matters of consequence should be handled with care.
- His opinion was of no consequence in the final decision.
Learner examples
- This rule is of great consequence.
- That fact is of little consequence to me.
- Her words are of no consequence here.
Grammar
Dictionary form
consequence
IPA
GB/kˈɑnsəkwəns/
US/kˈɑnsəkwəns/
Syllables & stress
con - sequence (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (con)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: consequence
- Plural: consequence, consequences
Word family
Forms
consequences
noun
Core family
consequently
adverb B2
Related words
consequential
adjective C1
Negative and opposite forms
inconsequential
adjective
Advanced or less common
consequent
adjective C1
Expressions
as a consequence
1/ˈæz ə kˈɑnsəkwəns/
fixed phrase
as a result
Used to say that something happened because of something else just mentioned.
Examples
- She forgot her passport. As a consequence, she missed her flight.
- It rained heavily all night. As a consequence, the match was postponed.
face the consequences
1/fˈeɪs ðə kˈɑnsəkwˌɛnsɪz/
fixed phrase
accept negative results
To deal with bad results because of what you did.
Examples
- If you break the law, you must face the consequences.
- He knew he had made a mistake and was ready to face the consequences.
of great consequence
1/əv ɡɹˈeɪt kˈɑnsəkwəns/
fixed phrase
formal
very important
Very important or having a big effect.
Examples
- The discovery is of great consequence for medical research.
- Her decision was of great consequence for the team.
of little consequence
1/əv lˈɪtəl kˈɑnsəkwəns/
fixed phrase
formal
not important
Not important or not having much effect.
Examples
- The delay was of little consequence to the overall schedule.
- His comments were of little consequence in the discussion.