consistency

American  

[kuhn-sis-tuhn-see] / kənˈsɪs tən si /

Also consistence

noun

plural

consistencies

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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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

“Really happy for him on a personal level. But also just for our team, he’s brought a really high level of consistency, particularly on the defensive end, and with his effort throughout the season.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

The consistency across methods strengthens confidence in the measured expansion rate.

From Science Daily • Apr. 12, 2026

It is designed to provide consistency for clients but has upset some litigators accustomed to a generalist culture.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

Your upbringing taught you a lot about life, and you learned the value of hard work and patience and stamina and consistency by buying and selling homes and building a $6 million nest egg.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

Instead, every so often, she would test its consistency by rubbing a pinch of it between her thumb and forefinger, put a little on the tip of her tongue, and immediately spit it out.

From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall

Related Words

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