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Consequences: meaning, definitions and examples

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consequences

 

[ ˈkɒnsɪkwənsɪz ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

of a decision

Consequences are the results or effects of a particular action or situation. It can be positive or negative.

Synonyms

effects, outcomes, ramifications, results.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
consequences

Use this when referring to the outcomes of actions or events, especially when they are negative or serious.

  • The consequences of skipping class could include failing the course
results

Use this in general or neutral contexts to indicate the outcomes or findings of various activities, especially in scientific or academic settings.

  • The results of the survey will be published next week
effects

This word is best for describing changes or impacts caused by an action, event, or condition, which can be either positive or negative.

  • The effects of the new law will be felt across the entire industry
outcomes

This word is often used in formal or academic contexts to refer to the results of processes, experiments, or studies.

  • The outcomes of the clinical trial were very promising
ramifications

This term is used when talking about the complex or unforeseen results of a decision, often with a negative connotation.

  • The ramifications of his financial choices affected his entire family

Examples of usage

  • The consequences of his actions will be severe.
  • She had to face the consequences of her decisions.
  • The consequences of global warming are becoming more apparent.
  • The consequences of your choices are yours alone.
  • The consequences of the war affected everyone in the country.
Context #2 | Noun

of a law or rule

Consequences are the punishments or rewards that follow if a law or rule is broken or obeyed.

Synonyms

penalties, punishments, rewards, sanctions.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
consequences

Used in a general sense to describe outcomes or results of an action, which can be either positive or negative.

  • The consequences of his actions were severe
  • Every choice we make in life has consequences
punishments

Usually refers to something negative given in response to bad behavior or breaking rules. Often used in contexts involving discipline, schools, or parenting.

  • The teacher handed out punishments for cheating
  • His punishment for the prank was three weeks without video games
rewards

Used to describe positive outcomes or benefits given in recognition of good behavior or achievements.

  • He received a reward for his hard work
  • The company gave rewards to their top employees
penalties

Typically used in formal or legal settings to describe punishments imposed for breaking laws or rules.

  • The driver faced heavy penalties for speeding
  • There are strict penalties for tax evasion
sanctions

Often used in political or legal settings to describe official actions taken to enforce obedience to laws or rules, typically involving penalties or restrictions.

  • The country faced international sanctions for violating treaties
  • Economic sanctions were imposed to pressure the regime

Examples of usage

  • The consequences for breaking the law are severe.
  • The consequences of following the rules are beneficial.
  • There are consequences for not abiding by the regulations.
  • The consequences of violating the policy are clear.
  • The consequences of the contract must be understood before signing.

Translations

Translations of the word "consequences" in other languages:

🇵🇹 consequências

🇮🇳 परिणाम

🇩🇪 Folgen

🇮🇩 konsekuensi

🇺🇦 наслідки

🇵🇱 konsekwencje

🇯🇵 結果

🇫🇷 conséquences

🇪🇸 consecuencias

🇹🇷 sonuçlar

🇰🇷 결과

🇸🇦 عواقب

🇨🇿 následky

🇸🇰 následky

🇨🇳 后果

🇸🇮 posledice

🇮🇸 afleiðingar

🇰🇿 салдар

🇬🇪 შედეგები

🇦🇿 nəticələr

🇲🇽 consecuencias

Etymology

The word 'consequences' originated from the Latin word 'consequentia', which means 'a following after'. It first appeared in the English language in the 14th century. The concept of consequences has been a fundamental part of human decision-making and moral philosophy throughout history. Understanding the potential consequences of our actions is essential for responsible behavior and ethical decision-making.

See also: consequentialism, consequently, inconsequentially.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,035, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.