inconsistency

noun

in·​con·​sis·​ten·​cy ˌin-kən-ˈsi-stən(t)-sē 

1

: an instance of being inconsistent

2

: the quality or state of being inconsistent

Examples of inconsistency in a Sentence

Police noticed inconsistency in his two statements.

Customers have been complaining about the inconsistency in the quality of service they have received.

The team's biggest problem has been inconsistency: it has played well at times, but at other times it has played very poorly.

There is some inconsistency in her argument.

Careful editing of the entire text has eliminated inconsistencies of style.

We noted a major inconsistency in his story.

Recent Examples on the Web

But the investigation quickly unraveled after authorities allegedly found glaring inconsistencies in Rebecca's stories. —Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025

Yields and costs are lower, and even small inconsistencies in optics or alignment can lead to large performance differences between units. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2025

This inconsistency creates friction and frustration, which are a strategic liability. —Rachel Lyubovitzky, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

In her view, the larger problem is inconsistency. —Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for inconsistency

• consistency
• persistency

Kids Definition

inconsistency

noun

in·​con·​sis·​ten·​cy ˌin-kən-ˈsis-tən-sē 

plural inconsistencies

1

: the quality or state of being inconsistent

2

: an example of being inconsistent