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

Synonyms of inconsistent

• conflicting

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 lawsuit says the decision was unlawful, unsupported by facts and inconsistent with the military’s past praise of Claude. — Reuters, NBC news, 28 Aug. 2026

Marmoush struggled to build on-pitch relationships amid inconsistent game time at City, but more minutes should allow Marmoush to regain some rhythm. — Thom Harris, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Ben Sims has been injured and Cole Turner’s inconsistent, so if there’s a tight end with upside on the waiver wire Miami should pounce. — Omar Kelly august 25, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026

Stewart’s participation throughout camp had been a bit inconsistent already, presumably in an effort to keep him fresh for the season. — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1620, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for inconsistent

• coexistent
• equidistant
• nonexistent
• preexistent
• assistant
• consistent
• existent
• insistent
• persistent
• resistant
• subsistent
• distant

Kids 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