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

While narrowly missing a sweep with Thursday afternoon’s 3-2 loss to the Orioles, this current group has already shown impressive resiliency amid pitching injuries and lineup inconsistencies. — Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 9 July 2026

The loss at Angel City, Orlando’s first match after the June break, highlighted the Pride’s ongoing inconsistency. — Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 July 2026

Additional checkpoints may help identify gaps or inconsistencies, ruling out the bad actors. — John Bou, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

An opportunity to benefit from FIFA’s litigious inconsistencies, which usually feel reserved for the A-list stars. — Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 7 July 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