consecutive
Consecutive (adjective) means following one after another without a break. Example: “She worked four consecutive night shifts.”
How to Use Consecutive
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOne right after another, with nothing in between.
Consecutive means unbroken order (Mon, Tue, Wed); it isn't the same as simply "several" or "many."
Word Forms
consecutives plural
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
She worked four _____ night shifts.
Etymology
From French consécutif, from Medieval Latin consecutivus, ultimately from Latin consequor, "to follow closely."
Synonyms
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Related Words
Rhymes for consecutive
See all rhymes for consecutive →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “consecutive” mean?
The word “consecutive” means following one after another without a break. In plain terms, one right after another, with nothing in between.
How do you pronounce “consecutive”?
“Consecutive” is pronounced kuhn-SEHK-yuu-tihv (/kənˈsɛkjʊtɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “consecutive” in a sentence?
Here is “consecutive” used in a sentence: “She worked four consecutive night shifts.”
What is the opposite of “consecutive”?
The opposite of “consecutive” — its antonyms — are concurrent, nonconsecutive and simultaneously.
What part of speech is “consecutive”?
Depending on how it is used, “consecutive” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “consecutive” come from?
The word “consecutive” comes from Medieval Latin. From French consécutif, from Medieval Latin consecutivus, ultimately from Latin consequor, "to follow closely.".
Is “consecutive” a common word?
“Consecutive” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “consecutive” have?
“Consecutive” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: following one after another without a break.
What is the difference between consecutive and concurrent?
Consecutive means following one after another without a break, so consecutive events happen in sequence. Concurrent means happening at the same time; for example, consecutive prison sentences are served one after the other, while concurrent sentences run simultaneously.
What is the difference between consecutive and successive?
Both consecutive and successive describe things that follow in sequence. Consecutive stresses that there is no gap or interruption between them, while successive can allow for gaps, as in "successive governments" that are not necessarily uninterrupted.
How is consecutive used in phrases about time?
Consecutive typically modifies a plural time period or count, as in "three consecutive days," "five consecutive wins," or "two consecutive years." It signals that each item directly follows the one before with no break in between.