consequential

[kon-si-kwen-shuhl]

adjective

1. following as an effect, result, or outcome; resultant; consequent.

2. following as a logical conclusion or inference; logically consistent.

3. of significance or importance.

   His writings offer insight into his personality, opinions, and strengths, and show early evidence of the consequential man he would become.

4. having important effects or results.

   Being a lawyer, I knew that a consequential decision should not depend on an informal phone conversation.

5. Archaic.,  self-important; pompous.

consequential

/ ˌkɒnsɪˈkwɛnʃəl /

adjective

1. important or significant

2. self-important; conceited

3. following as a consequence; resultant, esp indirectly

   consequential loss

Usage

Although both consequential and consequent can refer to something which happens as the result of something else, consequent is more common in this sense in modern English: the new measures were put into effect, and the consequent protest led to the dismissal of those responsible

Other Word Forms

• consequentiality noun
• consequentialness noun
• consequentially adverb
• nonconsequential adjective
• nonconsequentially adverb
• nonconsequentialness noun
• nonconsequentiality noun
• quasi-consequential adjective
• quasi-consequentially adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of consequential¹

First recorded in 1620–30; from Latin consequenti(a) “sequence (of events), logical sequence” + -al adjective suffix; consequence, -al ¹

Example Sentences

“As it relates to the president, in particular, he’s doing things to people, not with people. It’s a point of profound and consequential contrast, the fact of militarizing American cities,” Newsom continued.

From Los Angeles Times

A continued flow of weapons to Ukraine would be welcome; a promise of American boots on the ground would be even more consequential.

From BBC

Unlike at the federal level, where Democrats are almost completely shut out of power, Republicans are already facing potentially consequential retaliation for their gerrymandering attempts from Democratic leaders in other states.

From Salon

The long-tail stress of disasters is also more consequential for the elderly.

From Salon

Biden framed the current moment as the most consequential test for American democracy since the civil rights movement.

From Salon

Related Words

• far-reaching 
• meaningful 
• momentous 
• substantial 
• weighty