inconsistent

adjective

in·​con·​sis·​tent ˌin-kən-ˈsi-stənt How to pronounce inconsistent (audio)
Synonyms of inconsistentnext
: 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

Synonyms of inconsistent

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Conversely, a company with high integrity that delivers a poor or inconsistent experience will struggle just as much. Shep Hyken, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026 On Thursday, prosecutors dropped the charges against Edwards, Amir Fagan, and Chashonn Toney saying this video is indeed inconsistent with facts in the indictment. Megan De Mar, CBS News, 19 June 2026 Finding the wreck Official records detailing Hōfuku Maru’s sinking were incomplete and inconsistent, Beckensall said. Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 18 June 2026 The Supreme Court found Thursday that the government's prosecution of a marijuana user for owning guns was inconsistent with the Second Amendment. Nina Totenberg, NPR, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for inconsistent

Word History

First Known Use

1620, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inconsistent was in 1620

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inconsistent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inconsistent. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

inconsistent

adjective
in·​con·​sis·​tent ˌin-kən-ˈsis-tənt How to pronounce inconsistent (audio)
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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