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

There are more mouths to feed in Pittsburgh this year, and while this matchup could be high-scoring, the consistency and upside remain in question. — Jonathan Rubin, Charlotte Observer, 11 Nov. 2026

Ten minutes each morning is a reasonable starting point, and consistency matters more than length. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 11 Nov. 2026

Which is why there's no consistency week-to-week, Indiana drops five spots while not playing, and the explanations Yurachek provides are so easily dismissed. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 Nov. 2026

White Tiger Qigong suggests 10 minutes a day as a starting point, with consistency mattering more than duration. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 11 Nov. 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