inconsistent

adjective

in·​con·​sis·​tent ˌin-kən-ˈsi-stənt 

: lacking consistency: such as

a

: not compatible with another fact or claim

inconsistent statements

b

: containing incompatible elements

an inconsistent argument

c

: incoherent or illogical in thought or actions : changeable

d

: not satisfiable by the same set of values for the unknowns

inconsistent equations

inconsistent inequalities

inconsistently adverb

Synonyms

• conflicting

Examples of inconsistent in a Sentence

Customers have been complaining about the inconsistent service they have received.

The pain has been inconsistent.

Her grades have been inconsistent this school year.

Their descriptions of the accident were inconsistent.

The results of the two experiments were inconsistent.

The decision was inconsistent with the company's policy.

Recent Examples on the Web

Look for inconsistent job titles, company descriptions, locations and services across all platforms. —Don Dodds, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025

Biking advocates worry about inconsistent rules across the suburban landscape. —Paulina Czupryna, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025

While the company claims that garbage pickup is continuing in all affected areas, many residents and businesses report delays and inconsistent service. —Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2025

The lineup in Queens dominates on a regular basis, while the pitching staff has been inconsistent at best. —Zach Pressnell, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1620, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for inconsistent

• coexistent
• equidistant
• nonexistent
• preexistent
• assistant
• consistent
• existent
• insistent
• persistent
• resistant
• subsistent
• distant

Kids Definition

inconsistent

adjective

in·​con·​sis·​tent ˌin-kən-ˈsis-tənt 

1

: not being in agreement or harmony : incompatible

an explanation inconsistent with the facts

2

: not logical or regular in thought or actions : changeable

a very inconsistent person

inconsistently adverb