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.

---

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

---

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

However, he said the consistency of the changes across a large population warrants attention.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 15, 2026

Notice first that there is no consistency in midcap relative strength.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 11, 2026

According to those close to him, he has done everything possible to preserve his career, focusing on maintaining consistency and intensity in his time away from Chelsea.

From BBC ● Aug. 4, 2026

However, consistency is now required to make the risk-reward more attractive, he says.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 4, 2026

The painter had poured water from the duck’s bill onto a stone a single drop at a time, mixing ink to exactly the correct consistency for his work.

From "A Single Shard" by Linda Sue Park

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

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

Cheese has such a range of flavors, textures and consistencies.

From Salon ● Jan. 20, 2023

Emerson himself might find nought to censure there, in the way of undue conformities and consistencies.

From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 05, No. 27, January, 1860 by Various

Related Words

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