C1noun2K

Aftermath

UK /["/ˈɑːftəmæθ//ˈɑːftəmɑːθ/"]/US /["/ˈæftərmæθ/"]/

Definition

the situation that exists as a result of an important (and usually unpleasant) event, especially a war, an accident, etc.

In simple words: The results or consequences of a bad event.

Examples

  • A lot of rebuilding took place in the aftermath of the war.
  • the assassination of the prime minister and its immediate aftermath
  • How does a country cope with the aftermath of war?
  • The president visited the region in the immediate aftermath of the disaster.

Usage notes

Typically used to describe negative situations like disasters, conflicts, or major events. It is not used in casual conversation about everyday occurrences.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'after' + 'math' — after an event, you calculate the 'math' of what happened.

Collocations

  • immediate
  • cope with
  • deal with
  • in the aftermath of

Synonyms

  • consequence
  • result
  • after-effect
  • fallout
  • repercussion

Antonyms

  • prelude
  • beforemath

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'beforemath', which is not a word.
  • Used in a positive context, as it only refers to negative outcomes.
  • Misunderstanding the spelling as 'after math'.