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

The consistency of the menu, rather than a single viral item, is what keeps Citi Field at the top of the readers’ choice list year after year. — Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026

Built on volume and consistency Beyond cones, Handel’s offers hurricanes, shakes, sundaes and specialty creations that turn a quick stop into a full dessert event. — Tristan Graziano, Charlotte Observer, 16 July 2026

The inspector still makes the final decision, but the system speeds up the review and helps maintain consistency between inspections. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 15 July 2026

Humans set the strategy and creative direction while governance is built directly into the workflow—eliminating unnecessary review cycles without sacrificing brand consistency or compliance. — Jamie Garverick, Fortune, 15 July 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