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.

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. Also: incompatible. 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

Other Word Forms

• inconsistently 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

Jonathan, who was the only person with his father at the time of the incident, has provided "inconsistent" testimony in two declarations that has "fuelled suspicion", it said.

Read more on Barron's

Jonathan, who was the only person with his father at the time of the incident, has provided "inconsistent" testimony in two declarations that has "fuelled suspicion", El Pais said.

Read more on Barron's

The directory for Medicare Advantage plans contains inconsistent and at times contradictory information, according to the Washington Post report.

Read more on MarketWatch

“It is inappropriate, unacceptable, and inconsistent with the values we expect from our nation’s top public officials,” New York’s Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said in a statement.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The proposal is inconsistent with the school’s belief that scientific funding should be based on scientific merit alone, she said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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