inconsistency

noun

in·​con·​sis·​ten·​cy ˌin-kən-ˈsi-stən(t)-sē 

1

: an instance of being inconsistent

2

: the quality or state of being inconsistent

Examples of inconsistency in a Sentence

Police noticed inconsistency in his two statements.

Customers have been complaining about the inconsistency in the quality of service they have received.

The team's biggest problem has been inconsistency: it has played well at times, but at other times it has played very poorly.

There is some inconsistency in her argument.

Careful editing of the entire text has eliminated inconsistencies of style.

We noted a major inconsistency in his story.

Recent Examples on the Web

Milan have, until recently, been consistent in their inconsistency as well as their tendency to make life difficult for themselves by going behind. —James Horncastle, New York Times, 14 May 2025

Measurement inconsistencies, limited transparency, elusive incrementality and few performance guarantees leave many wondering whether rising spend is driving growth—or simply preserving their position in a crowded, costly landscape. —Dani Nadel, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025

But Griffin sees something more chaotic taking shape: a patchwork of exemptions and inconsistencies that reward political connections over economic fundamentals. —Quartz Staff, Quartz, 8 May 2025

One such skill is identifying logical fallacies and inconsistencies in arguments, both of which errors are exemplified in Mr. Williams’ article. —Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 7 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for inconsistency

• consistency
• persistency

Kids Definition

inconsistency

noun

in·​con·​sis·​ten·​cy ˌin-kən-ˈsis-tən-sē 

plural inconsistencies

1

: the quality or state of being inconsistent

2

: an example of being inconsistent