inconsistency

Also in·con·sist·ence

[in-kuhn-sis-tuhn-see]

noun

plural

inconsistencies 

1. the quality or condition of being inconsistent.

2. an inconsistent thing, action, remark, etc.

inconsistency

/ ˌɪnkənˈsɪstənsɪ /

noun

1. lack of consistency or agreement; incompatibility

2. an inconsistent feature or quality

3. logic

   1. the property of being inconsistent

   2. a self-contradictory proposition

Word History and Origins

Origin of inconsistency¹

First recorded in 1640–50; in- ³ + consistency

Example Sentences

This inconsistency doesn’t diminish the portion of Pissarro’s paintings that is luminous.

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For that reason, we will always have perceived inconsistencies.

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Their accounts point to inconsistencies in how US authorities assess the risks facing Iranian returnees and how sensitive religious information in asylum files is handled.

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“That evidence was brought out at the hearing and inconsistencies were examined by both sides. Ultimately, it was determined that the evidence was not sufficient to move this case forward to trial,” Frost said.

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The perpetrator would have to keep at least one clue from his victims to feign innocence, but a subtle inconsistency would allow others to infer his guilt.

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Related Words

• deviation 
• difference 
• disagreement 
• disparity 
• divergence 
• inequality 
• paradox