inconsistent
- 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).
Origin of inconsistent
Synonyms for inconsistent
See more synonyms for on Thesaurus.comRelated Words for inconsistent
conflicting, uncertain, illogical, incompatible, unpredictable, contrary, irreconcilable, erratic, capricious, changeable, discordant, discrepant, dissonant, fickle, incoherent, incongruous, inconstant, mercurial, temperamental, unstableExamples from the Web for inconsistent
Contemporary Examples of inconsistent
In response, voters thought voting for Madison was inconsistent with their thirst for free booze.
The burden on plaintiffs in wrongful birth cases “is unique, and is inconsistent with other types of malpractice cases,” she said.
As in any other area of law, though, such a belief is not inconsistent with a belief that people may be unjustly accused.
For weeks the information coming out of Kuala Lumpur was, at best, inconsistent and contradictory and, at worst, tainted.
Point of view is inconsistent and Berg employs enough obvious filmic artifice to keep reminding us we are watching dramatization.
Historical Examples of inconsistent
Neither is politeness at all inconsistent with thorough familiarity.
Weighed and WantingGeorge MacDonald
By an inconsistent twist of fate he was known as Honest John.
ThoroughbredsW. A. Fraser
Real philanthropy is as inconsistent with exploitation as with cannibalism.
FreelandTheodor Hertzka
But this beautiful and—shall I say it—inconsistent woman repelled me.
The Room in the Dragon VolantJ. Sheridan LeFanu
Women retain rights which are inconsistent with father-rule.
The Truth About WomanC. Gasquoine Hartley
inconsistent
- 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
Word Origin and History for inconsistent
1640s, "not agreeing in substance or form," from in- (1) "not, opposite of" + consistent. Related: Inconsistently.