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

For a company as vast and diverse as PepsiCo, inconsistency in planning systems can hinder visibility and performance. —Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025

Nothing wrong with the apparent moral and logical inconsistency, even hypocrisy. —Nick Miller, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025

Their latest and most mature feature bottles that intergenerational conversation into a disquieting lo-fi effort that rattles with wonderful inconsistencies. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 1 Aug. 2025

No travel required, no inconsistency between locations, and no surprises during corporate visits. —Brianne Dezzutti, Rolling Stone, 31 July 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