Consequence vs. Outcome: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Published on September 26, 2023
Consequence is the result of an action, often implying a negative or significant impact. Outcome is a neutral term for what comes out of a situation, without necessarily implying positive or negative ramifications.
Key Differences
Consequence and outcome both refer to the result that follows an event, action, or situation. However, there is a nuanced difference in how these two terms are used. Consequence usually carries a weightier implication, often suggesting a negative or significant result. Outcome, on the other hand, is more neutral and can refer to any result, positive or negative, without an intrinsic value judgment.
When you talk about the consequence of an action, you often imply that the result is something that should be taken seriously. For example, "The consequence of cheating is expulsion from the school." This phrase implies a negative result that has far-reaching effects. The word outcome would not have the same connotation; "The outcome of cheating is expulsion" doesn't communicate the gravity in the same way.
Grammatically, both words function as nouns, but they have different modifiers and are used in different contexts. Consequence often comes with adjectives like "dire," "unintended," or "positive," emphasizing the quality and often the gravity of the result. Outcome is usually paired with neutral adjectives like "possible," "likely," or "expected," which simply describe what kind of result may occur.
In sum, consequence and outcome both point to what happens as a result of some prior event or action. However, consequence often implies a result that is significant or negative, requiring careful consideration. Outcome lacks this implication, making it a more neutral term suitable for describing any kind of result without added weight.
Comparison Chart
Implication
Often negative or significant
Neutral
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Grammatical Modifiers
Paired with "dire," "unintended," "positive"
Paired with "possible," "likely," "expected"
Context
Often used in serious or moral discussions
Used in a broader range of contexts
Value Judgment
Implies a level of importance or gravity
Lacks such implications
Subjectivity
More likely to be interpreted subjectively
More likely to be interpreted objectively
Consequence and Outcome Definitions
Consequence
The effect or impact of an event.
The consequences of the storm were devastating.
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Outcome
The final product of a process.
The outcome was a beautifully crafted table.
Consequence
A logical result or natural effect.
The consequence of his laziness was failure.
Outcome
A conclusion or end point.
The outcome of the experiment was inconclusive.
Consequence
An aftermath or sequela of a situation.
The consequences of her decision lasted for years.
Outcome
The sum total of effects in a situation.
The outcomes of the policy are still being evaluated.
Consequence
A result that follows an action, often negative.
Cheating on the exam had serious consequences.
Outcome
The result or effect of an action.
The outcome of the meeting was positive.
Consequence
Something that logically or naturally follows from an action or condition.
Outcome
An end result; a consequence.
Consequence
A punishment or negative repercussion
"Sometimes a cousin's first child was born six months after the wedding.
Aside from a moment's tsk-tsk, there were no consequences" (Donald Hall).
Outcome
That which is produced or occurs as a result of an event or process.
A quality automobile is the outcome of the work of skilled engineers and thousands of workers.
Consequence
A logical conclusion or inference.
Outcome
(probability theory) The result of a random trial. An element of a sample space.
Three is a possible outcome of tossing a six-sided die.
Consequence
Importance in rank or position
Scientists of consequence.
Outcome
(education) The anticipated or desired results or evidence of a learning experience often used in the phrase learning outcomes.
The outcomes of this course are outlined in your syllabus.
Consequence
Significance; importance
An issue of consequence.
Outcome
The scoreline; the result.
Consequence
That which follows something on which it depends; that which is produced by a cause.
Outcome
That which comes out of, or follows from, something else; issue; result; consequence; upshot.
All true literature, all genuine poetry, is the direct outcome, the condensed essence, of actual life and thought.
Consequence
A result of actions, especially if such a result is unwanted or unpleasant.
I'm warning you. If you don't get me the report on time, there will be consequences.
Outcome
Something that results;
He listened for the results on the radio
Consequence
A proposition collected from the agreement of other previous propositions; any conclusion which results from reason or argument; inference.
Outcome
A phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon;
The magnetic effect was greater when the rod was lengthwise
His decision had depressing consequences for business
He acted very wise after the event
Consequence
Chain of causes and effects; consecution.
Outcome
What ultimately happens following an event.
The outcome of the election surprised many.
Consequence
Importance with respect to what comes after.
Consequence
The power to influence or produce an effect.
Consequence
(especially when preceded by "of") Importance, value, or influence.
Consequence
(transitive) To threaten or punish (a child, etc.) with specific consequences for misbehaviour.
Consequence
That which follows something on which it depends; that which is produced by a cause; a result.
Shun to taste,And shun the bitter consequence.
Consequence
A proposition collected from the agreement of other previous propositions; any conclusion which results from reason or argument; inference.
Consequence
Chain of causes and effects; consecution.
Such fatal consequence unites us three.
Link follows link by necessary consequence.
Consequence
Importance with respect to what comes after; power to influence or produce an effect; value; moment; rank; distinction.
It is a matter of small consequence.
A sense of your own worth and consequence.
Consequence
A phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon;
The magnetic effect was greater when the rod was lengthwise
His decision had depressing consequences for business
He acted very wise after the event
Consequence
The outcome of an event especially as relative to an individual;
That result is of no consequence
Consequence
Having important effects or influence;
Decisions of great consequence are made by the president himself
Virtue is of more moment that security
Consequence
An important result that demands attention.
Ignoring the warnings had dire consequences.
FAQs
How do Consequence and Outcome differ?
Consequence often implies negativity or importance, while outcome is neutral.
Is Outcome always neutral?
Generally, it doesn't carry positive or negative connotations.
Is Consequence used in legal contexts?
Yes, it often appears in legal or moral discussions to signify serious results.
What kind of modifiers go with Consequence?
Words like "dire," "unintended," or "positive" often modify consequence.
What kind of modifiers go with Outcome?
Words like "possible," "likely," or "expected" often modify outcome.
What is a Consequence?
A consequence is the result that follows an action, often with significant or negative implications.
Can Consequence ever be positive?
Yes, although it often implies significance or gravity.
What is an Outcome?
An outcome is a neutral term for what results from a situation.
Which term is more subjective?
Consequence is often more subjective due to its implied weight.
Can I use Consequence and Outcome interchangeably?
They can overlap but are not perfect substitutes due to different nuances.
How is Outcome commonly used?
It's used broadly in many contexts, from science to daily conversations.
Is Outcome more factual?
It is often described in more objective terms, lacking added weight or gravity.
What's the grammatical difference between the two?
Both are nouns but they often come with different types of adjectives.
In what contexts is Outcome more appropriate?
In scientific, analytic, or neutral discussions, outcome is often more fitting.
Is Consequence more formal?
It's not necessarily more formal but is often used in more serious contexts.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
