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
Projections for Mafe's next contract ($15 to $18 million per year) fall short of players like Phillips, Hendrickson and the more inconsistent Odafe Oweh, savings that should allow the Patriots to sign a 2026 version of Chaisson.
—
Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 8 Mar. 2026
For a while, cities across Kentucky were inconsistent, with some observing the time change and others not.
—Chris Sims, Louisville Courier Journal, 7 Mar. 2026
Kumar Rocker’s first two spring starts have been inconsistent, which may give Jacob Latz the inside track on a rotation job.
—Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News, 7 Mar. 2026
Progress to close the gender pay gap has been slow and inconsistent.
—Sophie Caldwell, CNBC, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inconsistent
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Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 8 Mar. 2026
For a while, cities across Kentucky were inconsistent, with some observing the time change and others not.
—Chris Sims, Louisville Courier Journal, 7 Mar. 2026
Kumar Rocker’s first two spring starts have been inconsistent, which may give Jacob Latz the inside track on a rotation job.
—Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News, 7 Mar. 2026
Progress to close the gender pay gap has been slow and inconsistent.
—Sophie Caldwell, CNBC, 6 Mar. 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 11 Mar. 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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