consistency
Americannoun
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a degree of density, firmness, viscosity, etc..
The liquid has the consistency of cream.
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steadfast adherence to the same principles, course, form, etc..
There is consistency in his pattern of behavior.
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agreement, harmony, or compatibility, especially correspondence or uniformity among the parts of a complex thing.
consistency of colors throughout the house.
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the condition of cohering or holding together and retaining form; solidity or firmness.
noun
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agreement or accordance with facts, form, or characteristics previously shown or stated
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agreement or harmony between parts of something complex; compatibility
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degree of viscosity or firmness
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the state or quality of holding or sticking together and retaining shape
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conformity with previous attitudes, behaviour, practice, etc
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
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.
Vocabulary lists containing consistency
Declaration of the Rights of Woman (1791)
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Words to Know Before You Defrost the Bird
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Journalism
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"Consistency is key, though. While he scored nearly 1,000 runs in Division One last season, there were also five ducks early in the year."
From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026
Consistency and proximity, especially in the professional context of teamwork, collaboration and problem-solving, can make a work connection feel like it has more potential for romantic intimacy, depth and longevity than it actually does.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026
Consistency of stewards' opinions is something teams and drivers are constantly asking for, and on the face of it this does look like a contradiction.
From BBC • Jul. 8, 2025
Consistency is the key to any restaurant’s longevity.
From Salon • Nov. 29, 2024
There are certain principles known as the Laws of Thought or the Maxims of Consistency.
From Logic, Inductive and Deductive by Minto, William
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
