inconsistency

American  

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

Also inconsistence

noun

plural

inconsistencies

1. the quality or condition of being inconsistent.

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

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inconsistency British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of inconsistency

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

Example Sentences

But as Jackson pointed out, the inconsistency runs deeper.

From Slate • Mar. 31, 2026

“There’s an inconsistency between the seriousness of war and the informality of social media,” said Richard Haass, president emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

But this has been a season characterised by crippling inconsistency, and Newcastle are ninth in the table for a reason.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

The same inconsistency generally has been the case on defense.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 1, 2026

A year after completing the Job Corps training, Wes realized the only consistency in his employment was inconsistency.

From "The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates" by Wes Moore

Related Words

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