inconsistent

adjective

in·​con·​sis·​tent ˌin-kən-ˈsi-stənt How to pronounce inconsistent (audio)
: lacking consistency: such as
a
: not compatible with another fact or claim
inconsistent statements
b
: containing incompatible elements
an inconsistent argument
c
: incoherent or illogical in thought or actions : changeable
d
: not satisfiable by the same set of values for the unknowns
inconsistent equations
inconsistent inequalities
inconsistently adverb

Examples of inconsistent in a Sentence

Customers have been complaining about the inconsistent service they have received. The pain has been inconsistent. Her grades have been inconsistent this school year. Their descriptions of the accident were inconsistent. The results of the two experiments were inconsistent. The decision was inconsistent with the company's policy.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Oilers’ power play comes up short The power play has been the Oilers’ bread and butter for so long, but it’s been inconsistent in the playoffs and downright nonexistent on the road. Daniel Nugent-Bowman, New York Times, 15 May 2025 SoftBank’s investment division can be inconsistent, as it is driven by changes in public and private financial markets. Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 13 May 2025 Indeed, in a league in which every single club is inconsistent, Hamburger SV came the closest to any form of consistency. Manuel Veth, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025 However, Clowney’s pass-rushing prowess proved to be inconsistent. Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for inconsistent

Word History

First Known Use

1620, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inconsistent was in 1620

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inconsistent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inconsistent. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

inconsistent

adjective
in·​con·​sis·​tent ˌin-kən-ˈsis-tənt How to pronounce inconsistent (audio)
1
: not being in agreement or harmony : incompatible
an explanation inconsistent with the facts
2
: not logical or regular in thought or actions : changeable
a very inconsistent person
inconsistently adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on inconsistent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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