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

It is equipped with advanced automation, including auto spreaders, pocket setters, automatic hemmers and loop attachers, ensuring maximum precision, speed, and product consistency. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026

Stable streaming numbers have served as the backbone to the song’s consistency, as the track rules the Rap Streaming Songs ranking for a 17th week. — Trevor Anderson, Billboard, 30 Sep. 2026

Return on equity, net debt leverage and earnings consistency have also moved to a more central location on the radar of investors, said Todd Rosenbluth, head of research and editorial at TMX VettaFi. — Cheryl Winokur Munk, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2026

The model is particularly strong in areas that remain challenging for generative video systems, including reflections, caustics, world understanding and high-level spatial consistency. — Partner Content, Variety, 30 Sep. 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