consequence

Academic Word List, sublist 2.

About 28.38 uses per million words.

Meaning

1. noun An effect; something that follows a cause as a result. An unwanted or unpleasant effect.

   I'm warning you. If you don't get me the report on time, there will be consequences.

2. noun An unwanted or unpleasant effect.

   I'm warning you. If you don't get me the report on time, there will be consequences.

3. noun consecution; chain of causes and effects.
4. noun conclusion, deduction or inference; the thing concluded.
5. noun Importance, influence, or significance.

   My opinions are of no consequence whatsoever to my parents.

6. verb To threaten or punish (a child, etc.) with specific consequences for misbehaviour.

Similar words

effect result outcome upshot moment import issue aftermath resultant consequential

Often followed by

of is to was the that in for and

Word family

consequences consequent consequently