What does inconsequence mean?
Inconsequence is a formal noun meaning the state of being unimportant, irrelevant, or without significant effect. It is especially common in the expression 'of little or no inconsequence,' where it emphasizes that something has no practical bearing on the outcome. For example, a minor delay may be described as being of no inconsequence if the final result remains unchanged. The word has a precise, somewhat literary tone and is more formal than the everyday expression 'doesn't matter.' Its related adjective, inconsequential, is more versatile and can describe an event, remark, or detail. Inconsequence is related in meaning and origin to consequence, significance, and importance, but differs from inconsequential by functioning specifically as an abstract noun.
nounThe state of having no important effect, significance, or influence. It means that something is unimportant or irrelevant.
- The condition of being without importance, significance, or effect.
"The minor delay was of no inconsequence to the final result."
"The minor delay was of no inconsequence to the final result."
"In the judge's view, the offence was an inconsequence compared with the larger scandal."
The plural is grammatically possible but uncommon in modern usage, as the word is normally used in fixed phrases such as 'of no inconsequence.'
"The novel treats the personal inconveniences of its characters as inconsequences of the wider upheaval."
Inconsequence captures the peculiar power of making something matter by declaring that it does not.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does inconsequence come from?
The word comes from Latin inconsequentia, meaning irrelevance or lack of consequence. It was formed with the negative prefix in- and consequentia, derived from consequens, a form of the Latin participle meaning 'following' or 'resulting'. Related English words include consequence, consequential, consequent, and consequently, all of which share the Latin root sequi, 'to follow'.
Related word forms
How inconsequence is actually used
Formal and somewhat literary. It is most often used with 'of little' or 'of no inconsequence'; the more common everyday phrase is 'of little or no consequence'.
Easily confused with inconsequence
Inconsequence is a noun meaning the state of being unimportant, whereas inconsequential is an adjective describing something that is unimportant or has no significant effect.