incoherence

noun

in·​co·​her·​ence ˌin-kō-ˈhir-ən(t)s  -ˈher- 

1

: the quality or state of being incoherent

2

: something that is incoherent

Examples of incoherence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Head coach Sean Payton acknowledged some aspects of play-call sequencing need to be cleaned up, but pointed more to in-week prep as the root of Denver’s offensive incoherence. —Luca Evans, Denver Post, 23 Oct. 2025

This kind of incoherence doesn’t just confuse the public. —Dr. Craig Spencer, Time, 23 Sep. 2025

The European Union’s failure to shape global geopolitical outcomes stems from its own foreign policy incoherence, including a historic overreliance on the United States and an inability to develop a consistent strategy for dealing with Russia, its key adversary. —Veronica Anghel, Foreign Affairs, 16 Sep. 2025

Broken Bird opted for deliberate spatial incoherence to match the theme. —Callum McLennan, Variety, 11 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for incoherence

• disappearance
• interference
• perseverance
• reappearance
• adherence
• appearance
• coherence
• preclearance
• clearance
• noninterference

Kids Definition

incoherence

noun

in·​co·​her·​ence ˌin-kō-ˈhir-ən(t)s 

-ˈher-

1

: the quality or state of being incoherent

2

: something that is incoherent

Medical Definition

incoherence

noun

in·​co·​her·​ence ˌin-kō-ˈhir-ən(t)s  -ˈher- 

: the quality or state of being incoherent