The invention provides a liquid crystal composition satisfying at least one of characteristics such as a high maximum temperature of a nematic phase, a low minimum temperature of the nematic phase, a small viscosity, a large optical anisotropy, a large negative dielectric anisotropy, a large elastic constant, a large specific resistance, a high stability to ultraviolet light and to heat, or having a suitable balance regarding at least two of the characteristics, and the AM device having a short response time, a large voltage holding ratio, a large contrast ratio, a long service life and so forthThe liquid crystal composition having a negative dielectric anisotropy may contain a specific three ring compound having a high maximum temperature and a high elastic constant, as the first component, a specific compound having a large negative dielectric anisotropy as the second component, a specific compound having a small viscosity as the third component, and a specific compound having a large negative dielectric anisotropy as the fourth component. The liquid crystal display device contains the compositions.