inconsistency

noun

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

1

: an instance of being inconsistent

… treats every human inconsistency as a hypocrisy …

—G. K. Chesterton

2

: the quality or state of being inconsistent

inconsistency in the restaurant's service

noticed inconsistency in the two statements

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

More than negativity, inconsistency is what creates doubt. —David Chapman, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026

Jackson’s attendance at voluntary offseason activities has drawn attention because of its inconsistency throughout his NFL career. —Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 20 May 2026

However, months later, the investigation was reopened, due reportedly to inconsistencies in his son Jonathan Andic’s story. —Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 19 May 2026

That inconsistency could prove costly in the battle for talent and consumers, particularly as young workers still believe in company values. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 19 May 2026

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