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

After reviewing evidence from family members, police said they had found "a number of inconsistencies and discrepancies" in relation to the timelines and versions of events.

From Barron's

“I think we are going to have to live with inconsistency and unknowns for a while.”

From MarketWatch

That taskforce sifted through previous statements given by family members which "identified a number of inconsistencies and discrepancies" of the timeline around the boy's disappearance.

From BBC

“This is a novel situation, partly because the strategic uncertainty and inconsistency of the U.S. has magnifying consequences in terms of what Iran is deciding to do,” Eyre said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Exposing your brother to potential IRS scrutiny with credible inconsistencies could also provide leverage.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

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