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

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

Synonyms

• clashing
• conflicting
• disagreeing
• discordant
• discrepant
• incompatible
• incongruous
• inconsonant
• inharmonious
• mutually exclusive
• repugnant

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

Even so, the practice of choosing a papal name remained inconsistent for the next 1,000 years, with most popes using their baptismal names. —Christopher Watson, ABC News, 21 Apr. 2025

After an inconsistent first half of the season, manager Unai Emery has found a way of tinkering with Villa’s line-up and still winning. —Chris Waugh, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2025

These inconsistent temperatures can increase the risk of bacterial growth and speed up the aging process of your eggs. —Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2025

But this club continues to put together inconsistent at-bats. —Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1620, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for inconsistent

• coexistent
• equidistant
• nonexistent
• preexistent
• assistant
• consistent
• existent
• insistent
• persistent
• resistant
• subsistent
• distant

Kids 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