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
When that early foundation is delayed or inconsistent, the effects don’t stay confined to those first years.
—
Tina Dello Russo, Boston Herald, 10 May 2026
Why is the team suddenly playing stellar defense, after inconsistent performances all season?
—Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 10 May 2026
While behind them, centre-backs do not know when to step up in support, leading to inconsistent moments of pressure that can open up space.
—Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 10 May 2026
What matters is whether the imbalance is persistent, policy-driven, poorly financed or inconsistent with fundamentals.
—James Broughel, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for inconsistent
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Tina Dello Russo, Boston Herald, 10 May 2026
Why is the team suddenly playing stellar defense, after inconsistent performances all season?
—Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 10 May 2026
While behind them, centre-backs do not know when to step up in support, leading to inconsistent moments of pressure that can open up space.
—Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 10 May 2026
What matters is whether the imbalance is persistent, policy-driven, poorly financed or inconsistent with fundamentals.
—James Broughel, Forbes.com, 10 May 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 May. 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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