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

The game’s laws are vague and open to interpretation, making such inconsistency across the planet inevitable. — Graham Scott, New York Times, 22 July 2026

Getty Images The Toronto Blue Jays cycled through plenty of pitching options during the first half of the season as injuries and inconsistency forced the club to search for innings. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Police said the officers noticed inconsistencies in the statements made by the four and that the behavior of one of them also raised suspicions. — Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 20 July 2026

Coaches and players have complained of inconsistencies between officiating crews. — Doug Feinberg, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 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