consistency

American  

[kuhn-sis-tuhn-see] / kənˈsɪs tən si /

Also consistence

noun

• consistencies
  plural

1. a degree of density, firmness, viscosity, etc..

   The liquid has the consistency of cream.

2. steadfast adherence to the same principles, course, form, etc..

   There is consistency in his pattern of behavior.

3. agreement, harmony, or compatibility, especially correspondence or uniformity among the parts of a complex thing.

   consistency of colors throughout the house.

4. the condition of cohering or holding together and retaining form; solidity or firmness.

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consistency British  

/ kənˈsɪstənsɪ /

noun

1. agreement or accordance with facts, form, or characteristics previously shown or stated

2. agreement or harmony between parts of something complex; compatibility

3. degree of viscosity or firmness

4. the state or quality of holding or sticking together and retaining shape

5. conformity with previous attitudes, behaviour, practice, etc

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• consistencies
  plural

Etymology

Origin of consistency

First recorded in 1585–95; consist(ent) + -ency

Explanation

Foods like puddings and gravies need to be the correct consistency — that is, the right thickness or texture — for the dish. It would not be good, for example, for gravy to have the consistency of cottage cheese. The noun consistency also refers to uniformity or compatibility between things or parts. For example, you might need to check the consistency of spelling in a document or the consistency among eye-witness accounts of a crime. Consistency usually implies a positive sense of dependability. If you show consistency at the work place, your manager can depend on you.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

consistency consistencies

Some responders noted that “coordination and consistency greatly improved” thereafter.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 2, 2026

Then I add my final stock, cream or coconut cream until the soup reaches the consistency I actually want.

From Salon ● Sep. 28, 2026

His consistency this year, he says, has come from the fact he has found "a nice rhythm in the season".

From BBC ● Sep. 23, 2026

That consistency strengthened confidence in the overall conclusions.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 21, 2026

But the consistency isn’t nearly as high as you might expect.

From "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell

But there are several consistencies across the state.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 18, 2024

The UF study demonstrates a need to build more consistencies among the varied experiments used to understand differences between those who speak one language and those who speak more than one.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 21, 2023

Although there were some consistencies, each meeting “has its own little flair or difference in things they are talking about.”

From Seattle Times ● Aug. 28, 2023

Many restaurant dishes include various components, often layering flavors, textures, colors and consistencies in varying ways to create balanced, unique dishes.

From Salon ● May 14, 2023

The fluids secreted from the mucous membranes of animals are of various kinds and consistencies.

From Zoonomia, Vol. II Or, the Laws of Organic Life by Erasmus Darwin

Related Words

• coherence
• cohesion
• compatibility
• fitness
• harmony
• stability
• steadiness
• uniformity
• unity