inconsistency

[ in-kuhn-sis-tuhn-see ]

noun

, plural in·con·sist·en·cies

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

I do think there are going to be challenges when there’s an inconsistency between taxpayers’ economic-impact numbers and the IRS records.

From Washington Post

Instead, Diaz thinks that inconsistencies in the research could be because “no two bilingualisms are the same.”

From Popular-Science

As the team modified different art assets through the trilogy, they had to be mindful of certain images and symbols not seeping into the wrong game, which could cause narrative inconsistencies.

From Washington Post

The amount of inconsistency and even hypocrisy present in Hall of Fame choices rises more and more as we come to know more about who players are off the field.

From FiveThirtyEight

The longtime scout is used to it going the other way, teenagers regressing or showing inconsistency because, well, they’re teenagers.

From Washington Post

Independent artist Erika Moen addresses this inconsistency in the inaugural strip of her newest comic series, Oh Joy Sex Toy.

From The Daily Beast

Month-to-month reports exposed an even more alarming inconsistency.

From The Daily Beast

The liberals have allowed that belief to emerge by acquiescing in conservative inconsistency.

From The Daily Beast

Last year he proved that he still has electric ability, but his inconsistency and durability concerns are worse than ever.

From The Daily Beast

Inconsistency in Washington politics today is the rule, not the exception, and it goes far beyond bill scoring.

From The Daily Beast

But our ancestors were generally so much blinded by prejudice that this inconsistency passed unnoticed.

From Project Gutenberg

The poor girl pitied me from her heart; but, at the same time, reminded me of the strange inconsistency of my principles.

From Project Gutenberg

Yet we are content to hunt for the motives of this inconsistency of belief and action, instead of rectifying it!

From Project Gutenberg

Sheridan fanned the flame; he taunted Burke with inconsistency, and pronounced a panegyric on the revolutionary leaders.

From Project Gutenberg

It is better to drop a tear over the inconsistency of human nature, and to bewail those infirmities which cannot be justified.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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