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

This approach almost always leads to brand inconsistency and underperformance. —Stephen Spratley, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025

Prosecutors have used those clips to rebut the defense’s arguments or to highlight inconsistencies in Read’s own statements. —Dakin Andone, CNN Money, 4 June 2025

Pivetta was a durable presence in Boston’s rotation, though he was sometimes plagued by inconsistency and an ERA that never dipped below 4.00. —Annie Heilbrunn, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 May 2025

The Times article cited chronological inconsistencies in Montañez’s story, archival proof of the release of test products and comments by Frito-Lay executives. —Suhauna Hussain, Los Angeles Times, 30 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