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

Hibernian have the potential to push hard for third, but consistency problems follow them around year upon year.

From BBC ● Jul. 31, 2026

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

But retail businesses have in many cases lost the consumer trust that originally made their catalogs a promise of consistency and quality.

From Salon ● Jul. 18, 2026

That also looks implausibly high, indicating the figure likely includes some non-GAAP estimates, despite efforts to maintain consistency.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 13, 2026

Nervously, Mrs. Weidenbach said to Grandma, “What a nice, moist consistency your pie filling has, Mrs. Dowdel. I’m sure it will be noted. How much water did you add to the mixture?”

From "A Long Way from Chicago" by Richard Peck

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

This is one of the consistencies resulting from the determination of the House not expressly to recognise the presence of strangers; but, after all, I am not aware that any practical inconvenience flows from it.

From Notes and Queries, Number 36, July 6, 1850 by Various

Related Words

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