consequences: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal
Quick answer
What does “consequences” mean?
The results or effects of an action or event.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The results or effects of an action or event.
Often implies significant or negative outcomes, repercussions, or logical conclusions in various contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage between UK and US English.
Connotations
Similarly used to imply outcomes, often with a serious or weighty tone.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “consequences” in a Sentence
consequences of [noun phrase]consequences for [noun phrase]with consequencesVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “consequences” in a Sentence
adverb
British English
- Consequently, the event was cancelled due to bad weather.
American English
- Consequently, the team had to revise their strategy.
adjective
British English
- The consequent delays affected all passengers.
American English
- The consequential changes were implemented nationwide.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in risk assessment and strategic planning to discuss potential outcomes of decisions.
Academic
Common in essays and research papers to discuss cause and effect or implications of findings.
Everyday
Used in personal conversations about results of actions, e.g., discussing outcomes of choices.
Technical
In logic, refers to conclusions from premises; in systems theory, refers to effects of changes.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “consequences”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “consequences”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “consequences”
- Using 'consequences' as a verb, e.g., 'It will consequences in problems.' Correct: 'It will lead to consequences.'
- Misusing prepositions: 'consequences on' instead of 'consequences of' or 'consequences for'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, but it often implies negative outcomes; in neutral or technical contexts, it simply means results or effects.
No, 'consequence' is not used as a verb in modern English. Use verbs like 'result in', 'lead to', or 'entail'.
'Consequences' often implies more significant or negative outcomes, while 'results' is more neutral and general.
Typically use 'consequences of' for the cause, and 'consequences for' for those affected, e.g., 'consequences of climate change' and 'consequences for future generations'.
The results or effects of an action or event.
Consequences is usually neutral to formal in register.
Consequences: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒnsɪkwənsɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑːnsəkwensɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “face the music”
- “of no consequence”
- “take the consequences”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'consequences' as 'what comes after' – from 'sequence', implying a chain of events.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONSEQUENCES ARE WEIGHTS or BURDENS (e.g., 'bear the consequences').
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate synonym for 'consequences' in formal contexts?