inconsistent
[ in-kuhn-sis-tuhnt ]
/ ˌɪn kənˈsɪs tənt /
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).
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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.
OTHER WORDS FROM inconsistent
in·con·sist·ent·ly, adverbWORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH inconsistent
incontinent inconsistent (see synonym study at the current entry)Words nearby inconsistent
inconsequent, inconsequential, inconsiderable, inconsiderate, inconsistency, inconsistent, inconsolable, inconsonant, inconspicuous, inconstant, inconsumable
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Example sentences from the Web for inconsistent
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 of inconsistent
inconsistently, adverbCollins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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