Main Entry: in·con·stant

Pronunciation: \-stənt\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin inconstant-, inconstans, from in- + constant-, constans constant

Date: 15th century

: likely to change frequently without apparent or cogent reason

— in·con·stant·ly adverb

synonyms inconstant, fickle, capricious, mercurial, unstable mean lacking firmness or steadiness (as in purpose or devotion). inconstant implies an incapacity for steadiness and an inherent tendency to change <an inconstant friend>. fickle suggests unreliability because of perverse changeability and incapacity for steadfastness <performers discover how fickle fans can be>. capricious suggests motivation by sudden whim or fancy and stresses unpredictability <an utterly capricious critic>. mercurial implies a rapid changeability in mood <made anxious by her boss's mercurial temperament>. unstable implies an incapacity for remaining in a fixed position or steady course and applies especially to a lack of emotional balance <too unstable to hold a job>.