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.

---

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

---

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

Specifically, the study evaluated the consistency and fairness of the recommendations tied to household financial planning, emergency savings, retirement withdrawal rates and investment portfolio allocation.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 24, 2026

“It’s not the consistency that any of us like or want, Emmet included. Until there’s another alternative, we’re going to keep running him out there.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 21, 2026

The consistency of United's messaging is being articulated in a summer where they are keen to prove they will not be bullied into overpaying to get deals over the line.

From BBC ● Jul. 20, 2026

“It takes a little bit of time and consistency in order for that vehicle to comprehend what it is that you’re actually asking,” Merena said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 10, 2026

It was beige, with the consistency of stagnant water.

From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor

But there are several consistencies across the state.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 18, 2024

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

Although there were some consistencies, each meeting “has its own little flair or difference in things they are talking about.”

From Seattle Times ● Aug. 28, 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

I don't," said Gilfoyle, with lovely sublimity above petty consistencies, "except with you, Anita.

From We Can't Have Everything by Hughes, Rupert

Related Words

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