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

Fusing magnetic spontaneity and attention to detail, Y’all Won displays the consistency at the center of Veeze’s output, even when his hand is forced. —Matthew Ritchie, Pitchfork, 2 June 2026

The organization consolidated fragmented HR and onboarding systems into a more unified operating model, with the goal of reducing onboarding timelines, improving consistency across multiple operating companies, and helping frontline employees access systems and support more efficiently. —Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 2 June 2026

Define the expectation, remove the vague parts, and let consistency do the hard work. —Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 June 2026

To get more—and better—shuteye, Leng advised focusing on consistency, including regular bed and wake times. —Brian Mastroianni, Health, 2 June 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