Následok

Následok is a Slovak noun meaning "consequence" or "result." It denotes something that follows from a prior event, action, or condition. The term is used across domains to refer to effects, outcomes, or repercussions of causes, often describing the aftermath of events, decisions, or processes. The word is etymologically linked to the verb nasledovať (to follow) and the adjective následný (subsequent).

In usage, nasleduje the sense of an observable outcome or effect, typically neutral or negative in tone. The related term dôsledok is also used to refer to a consequence, but it often carries a nuance of logical necessity or formal implication. Both can be translated as "consequence" in English, but dôsledok may appear in more technical or argumentative contexts.

The plural form is následky. Common expressions include mať za následok (to have as a consequence) and been used in phrases describing effects of actions or events. For example: "Nedostatok financií mal za následok zrušenie projektu." "Používanie ľahkých palív má za následok zhoršenie kvality ovzdušia." "Následky nehody si vyžiadali okamžitú lekársku starostlivosť."

Následok is versatile across fields such as everyday speech, journalism, science, medicine, and law, where it helps articulate the outcomes that follow a given cause. It is generally preferred for describing results that are seen as outcomes or aftereffects of events or decisions.