consistency

noun

con·​sis·​ten·​cy kən-ˈsi-stən(t)-sē 

plural consistencies

1

a

: agreement or harmony of parts or features to one another or a whole : correspondence

The furnishings and decorations in all the rooms reflect a consistency of style.

specifically : ability to be asserted together without contradiction

b

: harmony of conduct or practice with profession

followed her own advice with consistency

2

: degree of firmness, density, viscosity, or resistance to movement or separation of constituent particles

Boil the juice to the consistency of a thick syrup.

3

a

: firmness of constitution or character : persistency

… the rigid consistency with which he had adhered to its principles …

—Nathaniel Hawthorne

b

archaic : condition of adhering together : firmness of material substance

Synonyms of consistency

• consistence

Examples of consistency in a Sentence

His statements on this subject have lacked consistency.

Customers expect consistency in the quality of service they receive.

Practice will ensure greater consistency of performance.

The paints vary in consistency.

Recent Examples on the Web

Choose the priority that deserves your strength, then move with measured consistency. —Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 26 May 2026

The clay is the same consistency Moeller and his crew tended to last season at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa where the Rays played their home games while the Trop was undergoing repairs. —Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026

With rare explosiveness for a 350-plus-pounder, Proctor would have been in the conversation to be the first non-quarterback drafted had teams felt better about his consistency. —Dane Brugler, New York Times, 26 May 2026

This move may indicate a growing desire for consistency at scale, especially when considering that reselling is currently approached more like a job than a hobby. —Matt Emma, USA Today, 26 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

consist(ence) + -ency

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 3b

Phrases Containing consistency

• self-consistency

Rhymes for consistency

• persistency
• inconsistency

Kids Definition

consistency

noun

con·​sis·​ten·​cy kən-ˈsis-tən-sē 

plural consistencies

1

: the degree of thickness, firmness, or stickiness

dough of the right consistency

2

: agreement or harmony between parts or elements

3

: a sticking with one way of thinking or acting