ultimate consequence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ultimate consequence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the final or most significant result of an action or decision. Example: "The ultimate consequence of ignoring climate change could be catastrophic for future generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The delay is not imaginary or without ultimate consequence.

Cornell University

The ultimate consequence of this appears to be the immediate end of Pete's marriage.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

If you accept this analysis, the ultimate consequence of tolerating bubbles was ruinous.

The New Yorker

Rather, it was the ultimate consequence of the modern global economy.

The New York Times

Whether death will remain the ultimate consequence of growing old remains to be seen.

The Economist

The extinction of as many as 150 species per day is absolutely heartbreaking — the ultimate consequence of humanity's collective insanity.

The New York Times

Metastasis is the ultimate consequence of cancer progression and the cause of patients' death across different cancer types.

Stanford University

"The ultimate consequence of trying to contain Iran has little to do with Iran itself," he argues.

The New York Times

As Gilligan points out, public shaming leads to what we often call mortification, a word that should give us a strong clue as to its ultimate consequence.

The Guardian - Books

Yet perhaps the ultimate consequence of The Note's style of political coverage is not the trivialization of important stories but, rather, the inflation of trivial ones.

The New Yorker

"My view on that is I would never like to say never, because I think any negotiation should always have an ultimate consequence," she said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ultimate consequence", ensure it accurately reflects the final and most significant result, not just any consequence. For a less dramatic effect, consider using alternatives like "final outcome" or "long-term effect".

Common error

Avoid using "ultimate consequence" for minor or insignificant results. This phrase carries a weight of finality and significance. If the consequence is not truly the most important or final one, opt for a less emphatic expression like "a consequence" or "an effect".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ultimate consequence" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describing the final result or outcome of a particular action, event, or process. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

39%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ultimate consequence" is a noun phrase used to describe the final or most significant result of an action or situation. It is grammatically correct and very common, particularly in news and media, scientific, and academic contexts, as seen in Ludwig's examples. The phrase conveys a sense of finality and importance, emphasizing the long-term implications of events. When writing, remember that "ultimate consequence" should be reserved for results that are truly final and significant. For less dramatic outcomes, alternatives like "final outcome" or "long-term effect" may be more appropriate. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

final outcome

Focuses on the result or conclusion, emphasizing the chronological end.

end result

Highlights the concluding product or state after a process or event.

eventual outcome

Stresses that the result is bound to happen at some point.

final result

Similar to "final outcome" but emphasizes the measurable or tangible aspect of the result.

long-term effect

Specifically relates to the lasting or enduring impact.

inevitable conclusion

Suggests that the outcome was unavoidable or predictable.

culmination

Implies a high point or climax resulting from a series of events.

net effect

Highlights the overall or cumulative impact after considering all factors.

bottom line

Focuses on the fundamental or essential result, often in a business or financial context.

terminal effect

Emphasizes the conclusive and irreversible nature of the result.

FAQs

How can I use "ultimate consequence" in a sentence?

The phrase "ultimate consequence" is used to describe the final result or effect of an action or situation. For example: "The "ultimate consequence" of ignoring climate change could be catastrophic."

What are some alternatives to "ultimate consequence"?

You can use alternatives like "final outcome", "end result", or "long-term effect" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "ultimate consequence" and "immediate consequence"?

"Ultimate consequence" refers to the final or long-term result, whereas "immediate consequence" refers to the result that occurs right away. The immediate consequence might lead to the "ultimate consequence" in the long run.

Is "ultimate consequence" the same as "side effect"?

No, "side effect" refers to an unintended or secondary result, while "ultimate consequence" refers to the primary and final result. A side effect may or may not be the "ultimate consequence".