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

This spring, Lugo admitted there were some inconsistencies in his game. —Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 7 Mar. 2026

Doncic’s defensive lapses are magnified, especially with the team’s recent inconsistencies. —Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026

This is a pivotal season for both pitchers, who struggled with injury and inconsistency last year. —Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 5 Mar. 2026

Smaller, with a smaller catch radius and some reception inconsistencies. —Jake Ciely, New York Times, 5 Mar. 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