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

The Jane Doe went on to voluntarily dismiss her entire complaint against Carter and Combs with prejudice — meaning it can’t be filed again — on Feb. 14 after admitting there were inconsistencies in her story. —Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 1 July 2025

To me, this highlights a glaring inconsistency in evangelical thought. —Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 27 June 2025

Bias and Inconsistency Undermine Trust One of the most damaging aspects of traditional performance reviews is their susceptibility to bias and inconsistency. —Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025

Tennessee wing Chaz Lanier His inconsistency on a night-to-night basis could hurt him. —Cj Moore, New York Times, 20 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