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

Synonyms

• conflicting

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

One of the biggest targets of Collier’s ire was perceived inconsistent officiating in the WNBA. —Kevin Dotson, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2025

On top of that, the Dodgers bullpen has been between inconsistent and awful for much of the season. —Drew Vonscio, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025

Traditional family law can be archaic, inconsistent and not aligned with the realities of modern relationships. —Julia Rodgers, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025

Their marketing was inconsistent, unclear, or simply not connecting with the right audience. —Wyles Daniel, AZCentral.com, 2 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1620, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for inconsistent

• coexistent
• equidistant
• nonexistent
• preexistent
• assistant
• consistent
• existent
• insistent
• persistent
• resistant
• subsistent
• distant

Kids 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