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
The offense, however, has been inconsistent and far from the explosive unit that helped define this dynasty.
—
Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025
The detachment may result from a combination of inconsistent usage of hand rollers to ensurecomplete adhesion of the part and the use of foam blocks on the attachment side, which decreased assembly consistency.
—James Powel, USA Today, 8 Dec. 2025
The available data on this crime and its victims has long been fragmented, incomplete and inconsistent.
—Joan A. Reid, The Conversation, 8 Dec. 2025
Williams went 13-of-19 passing over the next three scoring drives, which included some special throws on the run, but an inconsistent passing game continues to be a team weakness.
—The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 8 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inconsistent
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Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2025
The detachment may result from a combination of inconsistent usage of hand rollers to ensurecomplete adhesion of the part and the use of foam blocks on the attachment side, which decreased assembly consistency.
—James Powel, USA Today, 8 Dec. 2025
The available data on this crime and its victims has long been fragmented, incomplete and inconsistent.
—Joan A. Reid, The Conversation, 8 Dec. 2025
Williams went 13-of-19 passing over the next three scoring drives, which included some special throws on the run, but an inconsistent passing game continues to be a team weakness.
—The Athletic Staff, New York Times, 8 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inconsistent
Cite this Entry
“Inconsistent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inconsistent. Accessed 15 Dec. 2025.
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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