German word

schwerwiegend

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʃveːɐ̯ˌviːgənt/

Meaning

  • adjectiveserious

Example

Dieses Problem ist schwerwiegender als gedacht.

This problem is more serious than anticipated.

Illustration for schwerwiegend (serious)

More examples

Die Entscheidung zog schwerwiegende Folgen für das Unternehmen nach sich.

The decision had grave consequences for the company.

Core concept

A heavy weight presses down so strongly that its effects spread far beyond the point of pressure.

Common phrases

  • schwerwiegende Folgen

    grave consequences

  • schwerwiegende Konsequenzen

    grave consequences

Similar words

ernst: Serious and requiring careful, focused attention.
gravierend: Severe, with very serious effects or damage.
kritisch: Dangerously unstable and requiring urgent decisions or action.
folgenschwer: Likely to bring serious consequences in the future.

Definition in German

Bezeichnet etwas, das ernste und weitreichende negative Folgen hat und deshalb besondere Beachtung erfordert.

Word origin

Schwerwiegend is formed from schwer, 'heavy', and wiegen, 'to weigh', expressing something that weighs heavily in its consequences.

Usage tips

  • Schwerwiegend is formal and commonly modifies nouns such as Folgen, Fehler, Bedenken, and Konsequenzen rather than describing physical weight.

Other meanings

  • graveadjective
  • severeadjective
  • majoradjective

Opposites

Word lists with this word