A liquid crystal composition in which deterioration of viscosity that is associated with an increase in Δn and an increase in Δ∈ is suppressed, and a liquid crystal display element having a markedly improved response speed by using the relevant liquid crystal composition. The liquid crystal composition has a large value of Δn and negative Δ∈, and have large absolute values thereof. Also, the liquid crystal composition has low η, has excellent liquid crystal properties, and exhibits a liquid crystal phase that is stable in a wide temperature range. Furthermore, since the liquid crystal composition is chemically stable to heat, light, water and the like, the liquid crystal composition is capable of low voltage driving, and is practically useful and highly reliable.