consistency

American  

[kuhn-sis-tuhn-see] / kənˈsɪs tən si /

Also consistence

noun

• consistencies
  plural

1. a degree of density, firmness, viscosity, etc..

   The liquid has the consistency of cream.

2. steadfast adherence to the same principles, course, form, etc..

   There is consistency in his pattern of behavior.

3. agreement, harmony, or compatibility, especially correspondence or uniformity among the parts of a complex thing.

   consistency of colors throughout the house.

4. the condition of cohering or holding together and retaining form; solidity or firmness.

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consistency British  

/ kənˈsɪstənsɪ /

noun

1. agreement or accordance with facts, form, or characteristics previously shown or stated

2. agreement or harmony between parts of something complex; compatibility

3. degree of viscosity or firmness

4. the state or quality of holding or sticking together and retaining shape

5. conformity with previous attitudes, behaviour, practice, etc

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• consistencies
  plural

Etymology

Origin of consistency

First recorded in 1585–95; consist(ent) + -ency

Explanation

Foods like puddings and gravies need to be the correct consistency — that is, the right thickness or texture — for the dish. It would not be good, for example, for gravy to have the consistency of cottage cheese. The noun consistency also refers to uniformity or compatibility between things or parts. For example, you might need to check the consistency of spelling in a document or the consistency among eye-witness accounts of a crime. Consistency usually implies a positive sense of dependability. If you show consistency at the work place, your manager can depend on you.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

consistency consistencies

While praising Green’s composure, accuracy, consistency and feel, Westlake coach Rick Clausen also singled out the offensive line.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 29, 2026

That consistency was one of the most striking results, adding evidence that dogs and humans share important features of the biology that underlies aging.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 29, 2026

Werro has improved every year of her top-level career and now, having finished her studies and concentrating on the track, has shown ruthless consistency.

From BBC ● Aug. 27, 2026

That consistency reflects its federal financing, which is not tied to the economic cycles or policy shifts of individual states.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 24, 2026

By the time the next competition season began in January 2012, I felt much stronger physically than I had the previous year, and my consistency was better.

From "Courage to Soar" by Simone Biles

The UF study demonstrates a need to build more consistencies among the varied experiments used to understand differences between those who speak one language and those who speak more than one.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 21, 2023

However, Ms Herlihy said the panel noted "consistencies" between the complainants' accounts, adding they could see no motive for false testimonies.

From BBC ● Feb. 23, 2023

This results in an interesting, appealing juxtaposition of tastes, consistencies and temperatures.

From Salon ● Feb. 4, 2023

Trevor Lawrence’s connection with Christian Kirk is one of the few consistencies seen from Jacksonville.

From Seattle Times ● Dec. 5, 2022

The fluids secreted from the mucous membranes of animals are of various kinds and consistencies.

From Zoonomia, Vol. II Or, the Laws of Organic Life by Erasmus Darwin

Related Words

• coherence
• cohesion
• compatibility
• fitness
• harmony
• stability
• steadiness
• uniformity
• unity