incongruity

[in-kuhn-groo-i-tee, -kuhng-]

noun

plural

incongruities 

1. the quality or condition of being incongruous.

2. something incongruous.

incongruity

/ ˌɪnkɒŋˈɡruːɪtɪ /

noun

1. something incongruous

2. the state or quality of being incongruous

Word History and Origins

Origin of incongruity¹

From the Late Latin word incongruitās, dating back to 1525–35. See in- ³, congruity

Example Sentences

“I can see that happening. It’s not urgent,” he said, pointing out the incongruity of the ask when “you have more oil than almost anyone else.”

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Technical strategists see incongruities like this as a sign that the index’s strength has been predicated, somewhat precariously, on the success of a minority of its stocks, making it more vulnerable to adverse developments.

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Yet these seeming incongruities of musical life are what fascinate the most.

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This incongruity between cosmopolitan appearance and fundamentalist message is central to their popularity.

Read more on Salon

But longtime Mexico City denizens point out incongruities: the prevalence of palm trees, misnamed or nonexistent institutions, a court scene with a jury even though criminal jury trials do not exist here.

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Related Words

• inconsistency