consistently

American  

[kuhn-sis-tuhnt-lee] / kənˈsɪs tənt li /

adverb

1. with no or very few exceptions; typically; usually.

   We hope the new system will lead to teachers and administrators who are consistently well-prepared and well-supported, and who will continue to grow throughout their careers.

2. regularly or frequently.

   The museum consistently ranks as one of the top 10 children's museums in the country.

   As a premier chamber music ensemble, they consistently perform to sold-out houses around the world.

3. in a way that adheres to the same principles, course, form, etc..

   Similarly situated employees must be treated consistently under all company policies.

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Other Word Forms

• quasi-consistently adverb

Etymology

Origin of consistently

consistent ( def. ) + -ly

Explanation

The adverb consistently describes something that's done the same way for a long time. If your mom consistently forgets to add sugar when she's baking cookies, it means you can count on inedible cookies. When something happens again and again, it happens consistently. In fact, the Latin root is consistentem, meaning "standing still." Consistently is most often used to describe something you can depend on, like consistently getting hungry right before lunch, or your dog consistently appearing by your side to cheer you up whenever you're feeling sad.

Example Sentences

Polls consistently show that healthcare costs top the list of Americans’ economic worries, far outpacing other concerns.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 23, 2026

These individuals consistently perform on memory tests at levels similar to people at least 30 years younger, challenging the long-standing belief that cognitive decline is unavoidable with age.

From Science Daily • Apr. 23, 2026

A Cape-size vessel, or the biggest ships and ones that carry iron ore, are averaging between $25,000 and $30,000 a day fairly consistently.

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

My fortune depends on people moving in and forgetting about it, but paying me consistently.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

He claimed to have consistently warned the staff of the danger—“so much so that I see myself as an ‘old crab,’ but now maybe warnings will be given more respect.”

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

Related Words

• always
• constantly
• frequently
• normally
• persistently
• regularly
• routinely
• steadily
• typically