inconsistent

[ in-kuhn-sis-tuhnt ]

/ ˌɪn kənˈsɪs tənt /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR inconsistent ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

lacking in harmony between the different parts or elements; self-contradictory: an inconsistent story.

lacking agreement, as one thing with another or two or more things in relation to each other; at variance: a summary that is inconsistent with the previously stated facts.

not consistent in principles, conduct, etc.: He's so inconsistent we never know if he'll be kind or cruel.

acting at variance with professed principles.

Logic. incompatible(def 4b).

Nearby words

inconsequent, inconsequential, inconsiderable, inconsiderate, inconsistency, inconsistent, inconsolable, inconsonant, inconspicuous, inconstant, inconsumable

Origin of inconsistent

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

SYNONYMS FOR inconsistent

1 incoherent.

2 discrepant, disagreeing, irreconcilable. Inconsistent, incompatible, incongruous refer to things that are out of keeping with each other. That which is inconsistent involves variance, discrepancy, or even contradiction, especially from the point of view of truth, reason, or logic: His actions are inconsistent with his statements. Incompatible implies incapability of close association or harmonious relationship, as from differences of nature, character, temperament, and the like: actions incompatible with honesty of purpose; qualities that make two people incompatible. Something that is incongruous is inappropriate or out of keeping, often to the point of being ridiculous or absurd: Incongruous characters or situations frequently provide a basis for comedy.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR inconsistent ON THESAURUS.COM

Related forms

in·con·sist·ent·ly, adverb

Can be confused

incontinent inconsistent (see synonym study at the current entry)

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for inconsistent

In response, voters thought voting for Madison was inconsistent with their thirst for free booze.
Founding Fathers Loved Drunk Voters|Kevin Bleyer|November 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The burden on plaintiffs in wrongful birth cases “is unique, and is inconsistent with other types of malpractice cases,” she said.
Parents Sue for 'Wrongful Birth'|Elizabeth Picciuto|August 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST
As in any other area of law, though, such a belief is not inconsistent with a belief that people may be unjustly accused.
Is It Wrong for Parents to Lock Up Their Disabled Kids?|Elizabeth Picciuto|August 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
For weeks the information coming out of Kuala Lumpur was, at best, inconsistent and contradictory and, at worst, tainted.
Who Gagged the Search for MH370?|Clive Irving|June 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Point of view is inconsistent and Berg employs enough obvious filmic artifice to keep reminding us we are watching dramatization.
The Myth of Reality in ‘Lone Survivor’|Benjamin Busch|January 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST
This is inconsistent with the dates 1189 and 1191 which are respectively assigned to the event.
King Arthur in Cornwall|W. Howship (William Howship) Dickinson
Inconsistent hyphenation, punctuation, printing and spelling errors have been corrected silently.
A Fair Mystery|Bertha M. Clay
Yet this power is inconsistent with the idea that the constitution recognizes or sanctions the legality of slavery.
The Unconstitutionality of Slavery|Lysander Spooner
The tables have been turned, and now, Religion is endeavoring to prove that the Bible is not inconsistent with Science.
The Works of Robert G. Ingersoll, Vol. 2 (of 12)|Robert G. Ingersoll
That God should create men who are naturally sinners is inconsistent with his parental character.
History of Rationalism Embracing a Survey of the Present State of Protestant Theology|John F. Hurst

British Dictionary definitions for inconsistent

inconsistent

/ (ˌɪnkənˈsɪstənt) /

adjective

lacking in consistency, agreement, or compatibility; at variance

containing contradictory elements

irregular or fickle in behaviour or mood

Also: incompatible maths (of two or more equations) not having one common set of values of the variables: x + 2 y = 5 and x + 2 y = 6 are inconsistent

logic (of a set of propositions) enabling an explicit contradiction to be validly derived

Derived Forms

inconsistently, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012