Abstract: A liquid crystal composition is provided that satisfies at least one characteristic among the characteristics such as a high maximum temperature of a nematic phase, a low minimum temperature of a nematic phase, a small viscosity, a large optical anisotropy, a large dielectric anisotropy, a large specific resistance, a high stability to ultraviolet light and a high stability to heat, or is properly balanced regarding at least two characteristics. An AM device is provided that has a short response time, a large voltage holding ratio, a large contrast ratio, a long service life and so forth. A liquid crystal composition having a nematic phase, wherein the first component contains a specific five ring compound having a large optical anisotropy and a large dielectric anisotropy, the second component contains a specific compound having a small viscosity, and the third component contains a specific four ring compound having a high maximum temperature.