inconsistent
adjective
in·con·sis·tent
ˌin-kən-ˈsi-stənt 
: lacking consistency: such as
a
: not compatible with another fact or claim
inconsistent statements
b
: containing incompatible elements
an inconsistent argument
The decision was inconsistent with company policy.
c
: incoherent or illogical in thought or actions : not always acting or happening the same way
His pitching has been inconsistent this season.
The pain is inconsistent.
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
Avoid abrupt temperature changes, frequent relocation, and inconsistent watering.
—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 July 2026
Broadcasters and platforms needed reliable ways to deliver streams to millions of viewers across inconsistent internet connections.
—
Chris Allen,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
Even where laws exist, enforcement can be inconsistent, so workers should know their state’s rules and document unsafe conditions.
—
Hanna Wickes,
Sacbee.com,
1 July 2026
Financial priorities may also require more of your attention, especially if emotional spending or inconsistent income streams have made planning difficult.
—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
1 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for inconsistent
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
2 July 2026
Broadcasters and platforms needed reliable ways to deliver streams to millions of viewers across inconsistent internet connections.
—
Chris Allen,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
Even where laws exist, enforcement can be inconsistent, so workers should know their state’s rules and document unsafe conditions.
—
Hanna Wickes,
Sacbee.com,
1 July 2026
Financial priorities may also require more of your attention, especially if emotional spending or inconsistent income streams have made planning difficult.
—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
1 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for inconsistent
Cite this Entry
“Inconsistent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inconsistent. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
inconsistent
adjective
in·con·sis·tent
ˌin-kən-ˈsis-tənt
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
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