incoherence

noun

in·​co·​her·​ence ˌin-kō-ˈhir-ən(t)s  -ˈher- 

1

: the quality or state of being incoherent

2

: something that is incoherent

Examples of incoherence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The historiographical incoherence at the heart of many of the Frick talks persists in more recent efforts to legitimize computer vision’s place in art history by means of lineage. —Sonja Drimmer, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2025

The crony character of protectionism becomes obvious when examining the labyrinthine incoherence of U.S. trade policy. —David B. McGarry, Baltimore Sun, 30 Mar. 2025

Several stories in the collection describe elaborate techniques for getting discharged, the inevitable strains of reentry, and the looping incoherence of petty authorities. —Audrey Wollen, Harpers Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025

The level of incoherence in the Commerce secretary’s case for Trump’s tariffs has been off the charts. —Rich Lowry, National Review, 12 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for incoherence

• disappearance
• interference
• perseverance
• reappearance
• adherence
• appearance
• coherence
• preclearance
• clearance
• noninterference

Kids Definition

incoherence

noun

in·​co·​her·​ence ˌin-kō-ˈhir-ən(t)s 

-ˈher-

1

: the quality or state of being incoherent

2

: something that is incoherent

Medical Definition

incoherence

noun

in·​co·​her·​ence ˌin-kō-ˈhir-ən(t)s  -ˈher- 

: the quality or state of being incoherent