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
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
This introspective behavior, however, was highly inconsistent—occurring only about 20% of the time—and its underlying mechanisms remain unclear.
—
Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 30 Oct. 2025
For a while, cities across Kentucky were inconsistent, with some observing the time change and others not.
—Chris Sims, Louisville Courier Journal, 30 Oct. 2025
Today, American biotech innovators are constrained by a sometimes inconsistent and unpredictable regulatory system, and legislative and executive branch proposals that deter risk-taking and slow drug development.
—Sen. Todd Young, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025
Alex Vesia’s absence because of a personal matter has scrambled things somewhat, but that’s not an explanation for why, through much of the second half of the season, the guys who are supposed to be leverage relievers have been either way too inconsistent for anyone’s comfort.
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inconsistent
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Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 30 Oct. 2025
For a while, cities across Kentucky were inconsistent, with some observing the time change and others not.
—Chris Sims, Louisville Courier Journal, 30 Oct. 2025
Today, American biotech innovators are constrained by a sometimes inconsistent and unpredictable regulatory system, and legislative and executive branch proposals that deter risk-taking and slow drug development.
—Sen. Todd Young, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025
Alex Vesia’s absence because of a personal matter has scrambled things somewhat, but that’s not an explanation for why, through much of the second half of the season, the guys who are supposed to be leverage relievers have been either way too inconsistent for anyone’s comfort.
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inconsistent
Cite this Entry
“Inconsistent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inconsistent. Accessed 2 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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