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
G. K. Chesterton2
: 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
But the inconsistency, to a coach, is stressful.
—Erick Taylor, Arkansas Online, 10 Jan. 2026
The first third of Minnesota’s campaign was hallmarked by inconsistency.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 9 Jan. 2026
Yet, the state permitted eight other religious leaders to sit and pray within the death chamber during executions, an inconsistency that advocates said lacked compassion in the wake of the Supreme Court decision.
—Katie Moore, Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2026
The inconsistencies help explain why, even when residents try their best to recycle, much of Miami-Dade’s trash is contaminated and winds up in the landfill.
—Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inconsistency
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Erick Taylor, Arkansas Online, 10 Jan. 2026
The first third of Minnesota’s campaign was hallmarked by inconsistency.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 9 Jan. 2026
Yet, the state permitted eight other religious leaders to sit and pray within the death chamber during executions, an inconsistency that advocates said lacked compassion in the wake of the Supreme Court decision.
—Katie Moore, Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2026
The inconsistencies help explain why, even when residents try their best to recycle, much of Miami-Dade’s trash is contaminated and winds up in the landfill.
—Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inconsistency
Cite this Entry
“Inconsistency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inconsistency. Accessed 15 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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