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
Freezing can also alter the physical properties of medications, leading to inconsistent dosing and reduced efficacy.
—
Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 5 Dec. 2025
The first two 13-episode seasons were the quintessential mixed bag, at times bold and brilliant, but also tonally inconsistent and susceptible to moments of extreme silliness.
—Richard Edwards, Space.com, 5 Dec. 2025
As Qatar in high summer is rather inconsistent with any form of physical exertion, the 2022 World Cup had to be shifted to a November-December time frame.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 5 Dec. 2025
The department was told in October that some historical homicides were counted in a way that was inconsistent with current NIBRS standards.
—Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 5 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inconsistent
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Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 5 Dec. 2025
The first two 13-episode seasons were the quintessential mixed bag, at times bold and brilliant, but also tonally inconsistent and susceptible to moments of extreme silliness.
—Richard Edwards, Space.com, 5 Dec. 2025
As Qatar in high summer is rather inconsistent with any form of physical exertion, the 2022 World Cup had to be shifted to a November-December time frame.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 5 Dec. 2025
The department was told in October that some historical homicides were counted in a way that was inconsistent with current NIBRS standards.
—Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 5 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 8 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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