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

Some responders noted that “coordination and consistency greatly improved” thereafter.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 2, 2026

Then I add my final stock, cream or coconut cream until the soup reaches the consistency I actually want.

From Salon ● Sep. 28, 2026

That consistency strengthened confidence in the overall conclusions.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 21, 2026

In a report, he notes that while BAM’s investor day targets were largely rolled forward, the themes going forward included increasing diversification, performance consistency and future growth drivers.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 18, 2026

I loved how smart my teammates were, and how they could always be counted on to perform their routines with consistency, making everything look easy.

From "Courage to Soar" by Simone Biles

But there are several consistencies across the state.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 18, 2024

Mr Hedges is in favour of three members being elected in each of the 32 Westminster consistencies.

From BBC ● Jan. 30, 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

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

From Seattle Times ● Dec. 5, 2022

"I tell Nellie, sometimes, that I shall get jealous of her, Harry gets quite excited over her virtues, and thinks she has no faults, while poor I am continually offending the consistencies."

From The Workingman's Paradise An Australian Labour Novel by John Maurice Miller

Related Words

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