Consecutive: Definition, Meaning, and Examples

Last Updated on
November 20, 2025

1. Consecutive (adjective): Following one after another in an uninterrupted sequence.
2. Consecutive (adjective): Occurring in direct succession without any gaps.
3. Consecutive (adjective): Relating to a logical or numerical order.

The word "consecutive" is commonly used to describe events, numbers, or actions that occur in an unbroken sequence. It is frequently seen in discussions about time, rankings, and records. This article explores the various meanings, usage, and linguistic nuances of "consecutive."

"Consecutive" Definition: What Does "Consecutive" Mean?

The word "consecutive" refers to things happening in an uninterrupted order, whether in time, space, or logic. Below are its key definitions.

Definition of "Consecutive": Continuous Sequence

"Consecutive" describes things that follow one after another without interruption. For example, "three consecutive days of rain" means it rained for three days in a row without stopping.

Definition of "Consecutive": Direct Succession

It also refers to events occurring back-to-back, such as "winning five consecutive games," meaning the victories happened one after the other without a loss in between.

Definition of "Consecutive": Logical or Numerical Order

In academic and technical contexts, "consecutive" can describe a structured sequence, such as "consecutive numbers" (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4) or "consecutive sentences" in a paragraph.

Parts of Speech

"Consecutive" is an adjective, meaning it is used to describe nouns. It often appears before words related to time, performance, or numerical order, such as "consecutive wins," "consecutive days," or "consecutive numbers."

How to Pronounce "Consecutive"?

"Consecutive" is pronounced as "kun-SEK-yuh-tiv," with the emphasis on the second syllable, "SEK."

It begins with "kun," which sounds like the "con" in "continue" but with a slightly softer "uh" sound. The strongest stress falls on "SEK," which is pronounced like "heck" or "check," making it the most prominent part of the word. The third syllable, "yuh," is spoken lightly, blending smoothly into the final syllable, "tiv," which rhymes with "give" and ends with a crisp "v" sound.

Phonetic Pronunciation: /kənˈsɛk.jʊ.tɪv/

Synonyms of "Consecutive": Other Ways to Say "Consecutive"

The synonyms for "consecutive" vary based on context. Here are some common alternatives:

  • Successive
  • Sequential
  • Continuous
  • Uninterrupted
  • Following
  • Ordered
  • In a row
  • Back-to-back
  • Serial
  • Progressive

Antonyms of "Consecutive": Other Ways to Say "Consecutive"

The antonyms for "consecutive" generally describe things that are broken up, irregular, or not in order. Here are some examples:

  • Nonconsecutive
  • Interrupted
  • Irregular
  • Scattered
  • Disjointed
  • Broken
  • Random
  • Separate
  • Unordered
  • Intermittent

Examples of "Consecutive" in a Sentence

Here are ten sentences demonstrating different uses of "consecutive":

1. She won three consecutive gold medals in the Olympics.
2. The city experienced five consecutive days of heavy snowfall.
3. He worked for twelve consecutive hours without taking a break.
4. The book contained four consecutive chapters on medieval history.
5. After missing two consecutive meetings, he received a warning from his boss.
6. The company recorded its fifth consecutive year of profit growth.
7. He successfully completed 100 consecutive push-ups.
8. The teacher assigned consecutive numbers to each student in the class.
9. The team celebrated after their tenth consecutive victory.
10. The power outage lasted for three consecutive nights, causing major disruptions.

Frequency of Use

"Consecutive" is a commonly used word in formal and professional settings, particularly in discussions about time, numbers, sports, and achievements. It frequently appears in news reports, statistics, business reports, and academic writing.

Variants of "Consecutive"

The word "consecutive" does not have many formal variants, but related words and phrases extend its meaning:

1. Consecutively (adverb): Describes an action that occurs in sequence without interruption.
2. Consecutiveness (noun): The quality of being consecutive.
3. Nonconsecutive (adjective): Describes things that are not in sequence or order.

Related Terms to "Consecutive"

Here are words closely associated with "consecutive":

1. Sequence
2. Series
3. Continuity
4. Successive
5. Unbroken
6. Progression
7. Order
8. Chain
9. Interconnected
10. Follow-through

Etymology: History and Origins of "Consecutive"

“Consecutive” entered English in the early 17th century from Latin “consecutivus,” meaning “following closely,” from “consequi,” “to follow.” The Latin root combines “con-,” “together,” with “sequi,” “to follow.” Early use described logical or temporal succession, as in laws or events. Since then, it has maintained its sense of uninterrupted order in various contexts.

Derivatives and Compounds of "Consecutive"

Here are some derivatives and compounds related to "consecutive":

1. Consecutive sequence: A series of items in direct succession.
2. Consecutive numbers: Numbers that follow one another in order, such as 1, 2, 3, 4.
3. Consecutive days: Days that occur one after another without gaps.

Common Misspellings of "Consecutive"

Misspellings of "consecutive" can lead to confusion. Here are common errors:

1. Consequtive
2. Consecutiv
3. Consicutive
4. Consecutave

10 Idioms Similar to "Consecutive"

Idioms related to "consecutive" often describe sequences, continuity, or order. Here are ten examples:

1. In a row
2. Back-to-back
3. One after another
4. Step by step
5. Follow suit
6. Keep the ball rolling
7. A chain reaction
8. In succession
9. A streak of luck
10. One thing leads to another

10 Common Questions About "Consecutive"

1. What does "consecutive" mean?

"Consecutive" means occurring in an uninterrupted sequence, one after another.

2. What are "consecutive numbers"?

Consecutive numbers are numbers that follow each other in order, like 5, 6, 7, 8.

3. How is "consecutive" used in sports?

It describes repeated wins or losses, such as "three consecutive victories."

4. What is a "consecutive sentence" in writing?

Sentences that appear in direct sequence without interruption.

5. Can "consecutive" describe time?

Yes, it is often used to describe consecutive days, weeks, or hours.

6. What is the opposite of "consecutive"?

Nonconsecutive, intermittent, or scattered.

7. Is "consecutive" used in legal contexts?

Yes, it can describe consecutive prison sentences served one after another.

8. Can a person be "consecutive"?

No, but their actions or achievements can be consecutive.

9. How is "consecutively" used?

"Consecutively" is the adverb form, meaning something happens in an uninterrupted sequence.

10. What is an example of a "consecutive win"?

Winning five games in a row without a loss in between.

Conclusion

The word "consecutive" is widely used to describe sequences and uninterrupted events. Whether in sports, time, or logical order, it conveys continuity and progression, making it an essential term in various contexts.

We encourage you to share this article on Twitter and Facebook. Just click those two links - you'll see why.

It's important to share the news to spread the truth. Most people won't.

U.S Dictionary is the premier dictionary about the English language as used in the United States of America.
Copyright © 2025 - U.S. Dictionary
Privacy Policy
magnifier