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

Klubnik didn’t want to discuss what led to his inconsistencies at Clemson and is just happy to have a fresh start with the Jets. —Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 25 Apr. 2026

For heat tools, look for inconsistency with heating, odors, and discoloration and/or damage on the heating plates or barrel. —Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 24 Apr. 2026

Bachman, the Angels’ first-round draft pick in 2021, has been through years of injuries and inconsistency to get here. —Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 23 Apr. 2026

But inconsistency and a shoulder injury in 2023 forced the Commanders to decline his fifth-year option. —Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 23 Apr. 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