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

Ware, who was taken by the Heat with the 15th overall pick in last year’s draft, struggled with game-to-game consistency as a rookie last season. —Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 27 Nov. 2025

Sabonis has been the picture of consistency since joining the Kings in 2022. —Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2025

They will be renamed next year from May through September to comply with regulations through the FAA and for system-wide consistency, according to a July Charlotte airport announcement. —Chase Jordan november 26, Charlotte Observer, 26 Nov. 2025

Whether your roux seized, the pan drippings didn't properly incorporate, or something mysterious happened during whisking, there are several ways to bring your gravy back to a smooth, glossy consistency without having to start over. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 26 Nov. 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