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

Not everyone with psychopathic traits commits crimes, and not every person who commits a crime is a psychopath, but research has consistently linked psychopathy with a higher risk of violent behavior.

From Science Daily • May 10, 2026

The wealth-effect channel Goolsbee described “has been around for a long time in a lot of models” but had not consistently shown up in the data, Waller said.

From Barron's • May 9, 2026

Dutchman Jorrel Hato was also recalled after being one of the few Chelsea players to perform consistently during a difficult run.

From BBC • May 9, 2026

For millennial film fans, Malone’s been a consistently compelling, trust-anything-she’s-in actor since her child-star turn in 1997’s “Contact.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026

Only death consistently excites your emotions, whether contem­plating it when life is safe and stale, or fleeing it when life is threatened and precious.

From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel

Related Words

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