inconsistent

[ in-kuhn-sis-tuhnt ]

adjective

1. lacking in harmony between the different parts or elements; self-contradictory:

   an inconsistent story.

   Synonyms: incoherent

2. lacking agreement, as one thing with another or two or more things in relation to each other; at variance:

   a summary that is inconsistent with the previously stated facts.

   Synonyms: irreconcilable, discrepant

3. not consistent in principles, conduct, etc.:

   He's so inconsistent we never know if he'll be kind or cruel.

4. acting at variance with professed principles.
5. Logic. incompatible ( def 4b ).

inconsistent

/ ˌɪnkənˈsɪstənt /

adjective

1. lacking in consistency, agreement, or compatibility; at variance
2. containing contradictory elements
3. irregular or fickle in behaviour or mood
4. Alsoincompatible maths (of two or more equations) not having one common set of values of the variables: x + 2 y = 5 and x + 2 y = 6 are inconsistent
5. logic (of a set of propositions) enabling an explicit contradiction to be validly derived

Derived Forms

• ˌinconˈsistently, adverb

Other Words From

• incon·sistent·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of inconsistent¹

First recorded in 1640–50; in- ³ + consistent

Synonym Study

Inconsistent, incompatible, incongruous refer to things that are out of keeping with each other. That which is inconsistent involves variance, discrepancy, or even contradiction, especially from the point of view of truth, reason, or logic: His actions are inconsistent with his statements. Incompatible implies incapability of close association or harmonious relationship, as from differences of nature, character, temperament, and the like: actions incompatible with honesty of purpose; qualities that make two people incompatible. Something that is incongruous is inappropriate or out of keeping, often to the point of being ridiculous or absurd: Incongruous characters or situations frequently provide a basis for comedy.

Example Sentences

An AI hiring tool could satisfy that requirement and still be wildly inconsistent at predicting how well people from different groups actually succeed in the job once they’re hired.

From MIT Technology Review

The variability of the data and inconsistent analyses concerned the researchers, who recommend more standardization, stronger analytical approaches and an attempt to collect more information in smaller geographic areas.

From Washington Post

Testing and reporting were so scarce and inconsistent that it distorted the numbers that researchers obtained.

From Quanta Magazine

The government’s public health messaging was inconsistent, it lost the public’s trust through a series of scandals and policy U-turns, and more recently, it failed to take decisive measures during the Christmas period.

From Time

Compounding the problem, local leaders have repeatedly complained about inconsistent vaccine supplies.

From MIT Technology Review

The Kim-in-command view, however, seems inconsistent with recent developments.

From The Daily Beast

In response, voters thought voting for Madison was inconsistent with their thirst for free booze.

From The Daily Beast

The burden on plaintiffs in wrongful birth cases “is unique, and is inconsistent with other types of malpractice cases,” she said.

From The Daily Beast

As in any other area of law, though, such a belief is not inconsistent with a belief that people may be unjustly accused.

From The Daily Beast

Instead, if the people you support are committing acts inconsistent with your own sense of morality, then you should speak out.

From The Daily Beast

Inconsistent hyphenation and inconsistent use of -ise and -ize spellings have been left as in the original.

From Project Gutenberg

Monotheism is strictly inconsistent with the supremacy of “merits” which is the very soul of Oriental religion.

From Project Gutenberg

Their obstreperous loyalty might seem inconsistent with this unideal character, but it is only seeming.

From Project Gutenberg

In what respect has the subsequent conduct of Sir Robert Peel been inconsistent with these declarations?

From Project Gutenberg

Spacing after punctuation standardized, inconsistent hyphenation and archaic spelling retained.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• conflicting
• contrary
• erratic
• illogical
• incompatible
• irreconcilable
• uncertain
• unpredictable