inconsistent
Americanadjective
-
lacking in harmony between the different parts or elements; self-contradictory.
an inconsistent story.
- Synonyms:
- incoherent
-
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.
- Synonyms:
- irreconcilable, discrepant
-
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.
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
Related Words
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 Word Forms
- inconsistently adverb
Etymology
Origin of inconsistent
First recorded in 1640–50; in- 3 + consistent
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
While simple, this technique is inconsistent and limited to very small areas, typically around ten square micrometers, which is not suitable for real-world devices.
From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2026
The FTC warned that denying access inconsistent with terms of service could lead to investigations and enforcement actions.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026
Demand for vPro has been inconsistent, Mainelli said, but now he sees more interest “because it’s addressing a lot of the challenges that IT faces around manageability and security.”
From MarketWatch • Mar. 25, 2026
"But I also don't believe that is inconsistent with standing up for one of the most stigmatised minorities in the country, and that is trans people."
From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026
Meg stopped there, remembering all of a sudden that she hadn’t made up her mind, that she had told ‘her John’ to go away, and that he might be overhearing her inconsistent remarks.
From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
