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

• consistence
• density
• thickness
• viscidity
• viscosity

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

As folks held Zoom meetings and ran back and forth between legislative offices over the last few days, one sentiment surfaced with mathematical consistency: If one kid is allowed to change his mind and pull out, aren’t all the other kids going to want to do that as well? —Teri Sforza, Orange County Register, 23 Apr. 2024

The former four-star prospect was one of the standout freshmen of spring camp, earning raves from offensive and defensive teammates alike who praised his consistency, maturity and advanced technique honed from years of practicing with his older brother, former USC safety Max Williams. —Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2024

Their father often shared that timing, consistency and care were what crops needed to thrive. —Jasmine Browley, Essence, 19 Apr. 2024

Michelin awards stars – one, two or three – based on five criteria: the quality of the ingredients, the harmony of flavors, the mastery of techniques, the personality of the chef as expressed through the cuisine, and consistency across the entire menu and over time. —Lily O'Neill, The Denver Post, 18 Apr. 2024

The state has a formal data collection, data appeals, data review, certification and watermark process for the sake of consistency and fairness across school districts. —The Enquirer, 16 Apr. 2024

Farmers are encouraged to look out for decreased level of milk production, thicker milk consistency, loose feces, lethargy, dehydration and fever within cattle populations as possible signs of the spreading virus, the USDA says. —Irene Wright, Kansas City Star, 5 Apr. 2024

The electrolyte is made from a hydrogel, a substance roughly the consistency of a soft contact lens. —IEEE Spectrum, 5 Apr. 2024

Gentry will go from flying on and off the field, to all around it, with consistency. —Aaron Heisen, Orange County Register, 5 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

consist(ence) + -ency

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 3b

Phrases Containing consistency

• self-consistency

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