inconsistency

noun

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

1

: an instance of being inconsistent

… treats every human inconsistency as a hypocrisy …

—G. K. Chesterton

2

: the quality or state of being inconsistent

inconsistency in the restaurant's service

noticed inconsistency in the two statements

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

Fast-forward three years later, injuries and inconsistency at his first NFL home led to the onetime leading rusher for the Horned Frogs being waived by the Saints last Saturday. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Nov. 2026

This, too, can degrade the structural integrity of a concrete building, experts say, and underscores inconsistencies in the building techniques used. — Avery Schmitz, CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2026

The production’s tonal inconsistencies extend to Emilio Sosa’s costume design. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 8 Nov. 2026

Those inconsistencies have also raised questions about the offense's identity, something Prescott admits is still a work in progress. — Briana Aldridge, CBS News, 7 Nov. 2026

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