noun
consequence
KON-sih-kwehns
noun
1
A result or effect that follows from an action or cause.
"Losing his job was a direct consequence of missing so many deadlines."
"Every choice has consequences."
2
Importance or significance.
"A matter of no real consequence to the board."
verb
1
To impose a specific penalty or negative outcome on someone, especially a child, for misbehaviour.
"The teacher consequenced the students for arriving late again."
How to Use Consequence
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWhat happens as a result of something you did.
Common mistake
The verb use ("to consequence a child") is informal parenting jargon, not standard in general writing.
Common pairings
face the consequences
as a consequence
dire consequences
of no consequence
Word Forms
consequenced past tense, consequences plural, consequences singular
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Losing his job was a direct _____ of missing so many deadlines.
Etymology
From Old French consequence, from Latin consequentia, ultimately from consequi, "to follow along with."