inconsistency

noun

in·​con·​sis·​ten·​cy ˌin-kən-ˈsi-stən(t)-sē How to pronounce inconsistency (audio)
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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
But on Monday, defense attorney Andrew Baldwin sought to discredit Weber by pointing out inconsistencies in his statements to police. Ron Wilkins, The Indianapolis Star, 4 Nov. 2024 Implement clear brand guidelines and regularly check to make sure that your team adheres to them to prevent inconsistencies from interfering with your marketing efforts. Stephen Spratley, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024 Phillips had closed until a right hamstring injury and inconsistencies caused a role adjustment. Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 20 Oct. 2024 The crowd's acceptance of Trump's Detroit-on-the-rise spin was consistent with their collective amnesia or indifference to his logical inconsistencies throughout the evening. Philip Elliott / Detroit, TIME, 19 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for inconsistency 

Word History

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inconsistency was in 1647

Dictionary Entries Near inconsistency

Cite this Entry

“Inconsistency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inconsistency. Accessed 13 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

inconsistency

noun
in·​con·​sis·​ten·​cy ˌin-kən-ˈsis-tən-sē How to pronounce inconsistency (audio)
plural inconsistencies
1
: the quality or state of being inconsistent
2
: an example of being inconsistent
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!