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
Stephens was a pleasant surprise, if a bit inconsistent, after the Jets signed him in free agency last season, and he’ll be locked into one of the starting spots on the outside.
—
Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
Minnesota’s effort was inconsistent this season, but DiVincenzo’s was night.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 26 Apr. 2026
Proctor, conversely, was pegged as a late first-rounder due to concerns about his weight and inconsistent technique despite his apparent strength and athleticism.
—Miami Herald, 26 Apr. 2026
The high school baseball season tends to have a slower start due to inconsistent weather patterns in April, and then picks up in intensity around mid-May.
—Jack Murray, Boston Herald, 26 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inconsistent
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Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
Minnesota’s effort was inconsistent this season, but DiVincenzo’s was night.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 26 Apr. 2026
Proctor, conversely, was pegged as a late first-rounder due to concerns about his weight and inconsistent technique despite his apparent strength and athleticism.
—Miami Herald, 26 Apr. 2026
The high school baseball season tends to have a slower start due to inconsistent weather patterns in April, and then picks up in intensity around mid-May.
—Jack Murray, Boston Herald, 26 Apr. 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 28 Apr. 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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