inconsistent

adjective

ˌin-kən-ˈsi-stənt How to pronounce inconsistent (audio)
Definition of inconsistentnext
1
as in conflicting
not being in agreement or harmony inconsistent theories make it difficult to settle on one explanation

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2
as in volatile
likely to change frequently, suddenly, or unexpectedly an inconsistent breeze was our only relief from the heat

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of inconsistent An inconsistent offense cost offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo his job. — CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026 But inconsistent and missing data was only part of the problem. — Noelle Harff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026 But the risk of acquiring Rutschman, an injured player with an inconsistent track record, was almost mind-boggling. — Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026 In practice, though, adoption remains inconsistent, regulations vary by country, and many vehicles still rely on brute-force brightness rather than precision. — Matthew MacConnell, ArsTechnica, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inconsistent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inconsistent
  1. conflicting
  2. volatile
  3. unpredictable
  4. unstable
Adjective
  • With conflicting statements coming out of Washington and Tehran about whether direct talks are even underway, and no clarity on what the next MOU might entail, the oil price roller coaster is in for many more climbs and drops in the weeks ahead.
    — Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The escalation comes while there is shaky maritime security in both the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, and as Iran and the US give conflicting accounts of whether direct talks to reopen the waterway were taking place.
    — Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of conflicting
Adjective
  • Global oil prices have been volatile in recent weeks amid heightened uncertainty about potential outcomes from the Iran war.
    — Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Those nitrogen oxides combine with volatile organic compounds on hot summer days, and the pollution contributes to climate change and harms human health.
    — Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of volatile
Adjective
  • During the flight, crews are in constant communication with meteorological teams across the globe to track unpredictable weather patterns.
    — Diego Mendoza, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Within these spaces, designed to produce idealized performances of femininity, the unpredictable rhythms of postpartum life become a quiet act of disruption.
    — Alessia Glaviano, Vogue, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of unpredictable
Adjective
  • Also screening is Andrey Zvyagintsev’s Minotaur, another feature from Cannes, following a successful company director called Gleb, who finds himself under siege from mounting corporate pressures and an increasingly unstable world.
    — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Federal prosecutors said the men exploited three girls who had run away from foster care, taking advantage of their ages, unstable living situations and lack of family support.
    — Eric Weiss, Sun Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of unstable

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inconsistent
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Cite this Entry

“Inconsistent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inconsistent. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on inconsistent

Nglish: Translation of inconsistent for Spanish Speakers

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