Definition of "consequence" []

• Something that logically or naturally follows from an action or condition. See Synonyms at effect. (noun)
• The relation of a result to its cause. (noun)
• A logical conclusion or inference. (noun)
• Importance in rank or position: scientists of consequence. (noun)
• Significance; importance: an issue of consequence. See Synonyms at importance. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "The simple meaning of the word consequence is: something that happens as a result of an action."
• "Because it was unnecessary, it appears to strangers to be a deliberate and gratuitous slap at the selected group as a whole; and in consequence is inflamatory and perhaps callous."
• "But more to the point – WELL DONE – to get to a decent word count and have a rather well-formed novel on your hands as a consequence is already quite an achievement."