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

Trust means consistency: Delivering on promises, anticipating needs and always putting the end user first. —Erick Grau, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025

Kent Nishimura—Bloomberg/Getty Images The Trump administration and MAGA Republicans should perhaps at least be given credit for consistency. —Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 16 May 2025

Naturepedic Organic Side Sleeper Pillow, $139 $111 A Luxe Latex Pillow: Saatva Latex Pillow, $165 Best Down Alternative: Casper Original Pillow, $65 $58 The Budget Option: Buffy Cloud Pillow, $50 $40 For consistency, all prices in this story reflect standard sizes. —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 16 May 2025

The forward struggled with consistency after joining from Aston Villa in January 2023, scoring five times in 69 appearances. —Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 16 May 2025

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