inconsistent

American  

[in-kuhn-sis-tuhnt] / ˌɪn kənˈsɪs tənt /

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.

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inconsistent British  

/ 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

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Synonym Usage

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.

Other Word Forms

• inconsistently
  adverb

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Etymology

Origin of inconsistent

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

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Explanation

Inconsistent describes something that's varied or irregular. So if you're supposed to floss every day, but you only remember every now and then, your commitment to oral hygiene could be called inconsistent. The adjective inconsistent first came into use in the 1640’s, with the sense of “not agreeing in substance or form.” Broken down into its roots, in plus consistent, the word literally means "not consistent." Behavior, results in lab experiments, and your cooking skills could all be described as inconsistent if they are irregular, spotty, and hard to predict.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

inconsistent

"If City can demonstrate the Commission fundamentally misunderstood the emails, failed to consider their proper context or reached conclusions inconsistent with other contemporaneous documents, that could amount to a material factual error," Severin added.

From BBC ● Oct. 16, 2026

But although athletes feel less sore and perceptions of recovery are improved after a massage, objective measures of performance and muscle function are modest and inconsistent.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 14, 2026

County’s Office of Inspector General found that inconsistent safety checks remain a problem.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 10, 2026

He also has concerns about Red Bull's inconsistent starts - he lost the lead off the line both in Malaysia last weekend and in the sprint.

From BBC ● Oct. 10, 2026

But running beneath them is a quiet rumble, inconsistent in its intensity.

From "Allegiant" by Veronica Roth

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Related Words

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

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