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

Maria Doa, a former EPA scientist now at the Environmental Defense Fund, says this is a glaring inconsistency in the Trump administration's MAHA platform. —Will Stone, NPR, 18 June 2025

Then, the next seven innings confirmed a tendency toward inconsistency and a stark reality that overshadows San Diego’s glaring positional needs: With Ohtani’s return as a two-way unicorn and Devers’ arrival in the rugged National League West, the Padres need their healthy stars more than ever. —Dennis Lin, New York Times, 17 June 2025

Judge Subramanian noted that there were several inconsistencies in the juror's statements and either the juror was unable to follow simple instructions and answer the questions or there was deceit. —Lauryn Overhultz , Tracy Wright , Maria Paronich, FOXNews.com, 16 June 2025

Prosecutors tried to use these clips against Read to bolster the testimony of their own witnesses, refute the defense’s arguments or highlight inconsistencies in Read’s account. —Dakin Andone, CNN Money, 16 June 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