Noun / Verb B1 — Intermediate /rɪˈzʌlt/

Result — Definition, Examples & Pronunciation

An outcome or consequence — a key word for expressing cause and effect in English.

Quick Definition

A result (noun) is the outcome or consequence of an action or process. To result (verb) means to occur as a consequence: something results in an effect, or results from a cause.

What Does Result Mean?

Result comes from Latin resultare (to spring back, rebound) via Medieval Latin, entering English in the 15th century. It is now one of the most important words in academic and professional English for expressing cause-and-effect relationships.

Key preposition patterns: result in (= cause something): "Overwork results in burnout"; result from (= be caused by): "The error resulted from miscommunication"; as a result of (= because of). The phrase as a result is one of the most important discourse connectors at B1–B2 level.

As a noun, common collocations include: end result, direct result, positive/negative result, test result, match result, get results.

Word in Use

SentenceUsage note
The new policy resulted in a significant improvement in sales.result in = cause a consequence
The delay resulted from a technical fault in the system.result from = be caused by
As a result of the heavy rain, the game was postponed.as a result of = discourse connector

Common Mistakes

Watch Out For

The accident resulted from an injury to the driver.

The accident resulted in an injury to the driver. (result in = the accident caused injury, not the injury caused the accident)

As a result, of the storm, we stayed home.

As a result of the storm, we stayed home. (no comma after result)

Related Words

cause reason process outcome consequence effect

Practise This Word

Flash Cards Wordsearch Quiz

Frequently Asked Questions about “result”

What does result mean?
A result is what happens because of something — an outcome or consequence: 'The result of the experiment was surprising.' It can also mean a score: 'Did you see the match result?' As a verb, result in means to cause: 'Poor diet can result in health problems.' Result from means to be caused by: 'The problem resulted from a software error.'
What is the difference between result and outcome?
Result and outcome are near-synonyms but with subtle differences. Result is more neutral and concrete — often a score, figure, or measurable end: 'the test result', 'the election results'. Outcome is more abstract and process-focused: 'the outcome of the negotiations'. In academic writing, outcome is preferred; in everyday speech, result is more common.
How do you use result in a sentence?
As a noun: 'The result of the match was a draw.' Prepositions: 'as a result of' (= because of), 'result in' (= cause), 'result from' (= be caused by). Collocations: 'get results', 'deliver results', 'achieve a result', 'end result', 'direct result'.
What is the CEFR level of result?
Result is a B1 (Intermediate) word. It is particularly important in academic and professional English, where expressing cause-and-effect relationships is a core skill. IELTS, FCE, and other B2 exam candidates will need to use result confidently in writing and speaking.
What are synonyms for result?
As a noun: outcome, consequence, effect, product, upshot, conclusion, end result, finding. As a verb: lead to, cause, produce, bring about, give rise to. 'Consequence' often implies a negative or significant effect; 'outcome' is neutral; 'upshot' is informal. Choose the right synonym based on formality.
How do you pronounce result?
Result is pronounced /rɪˈzʌlt/. The stress falls on the SECOND syllable: ri-ZULT. The first syllable is weak (schwa + r), and the 'u' in the second syllable sounds like the 'u' in 'cup'. Many learners mispronounce it as 'REE-zult' — the stress must be on the second syllable.
What does as a result mean?
'As a result' is a discourse connector meaning 'because of this / therefore': 'It rained heavily. As a result, the match was cancelled.' It is one of the most important phrases for academic writing, showing cause-and-effect relationships. It is used at the start of a sentence to introduce a consequence.
What is the difference between result in and result from?
'Result in' introduces the effect: 'Eating too much sugar can result in tooth decay.' 'Result from' introduces the cause: 'The accident resulted from a failure to check the equipment.' Think of it as direction: result IN points to the consequence; result FROM points back to the cause.
Can result be used as an adjective?
Result itself is not used as an adjective, but 'resulting' (present participle used as adjective) is common in formal English: 'the resulting damage', 'the resulting confusion'. It means 'which was caused by this'. 'Resultant' is a more formal/technical adjective meaning 'occurring as a result': 'the resultant increase in costs'.
How can I practise the word result on LexFizz?
LexFizz's Vocabulary Quiz tests result in cause-and-effect contexts, which is the most important use of this word. The Flash Cards cover result and related words like cause, reason, effect, and consequence. Mastering these words as a group will significantly improve your academic and professional English writing.