Synonyms of inconsistent

inconsistent

adjective

ˌin-kən-ˈsi-stənt 

1

as in conflicting

not being in agreement or harmony

inconsistent theories make it difficult to settle on one explanation

Synonyms & Similar Words

• conflicting
• incompatible
• contradictory
• discrepant
• incongruous
• mutually exclusive
• repugnant
• contrary
• clashing
• inharmonious
• inconsonant
• disagreeing
• irreconcilable
• discordant
• at odds
• at variance
• opposite
• opposing
• antagonistic
• antithetical
• diametric
• antipodal
• antipodean

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• consistent
• compatible
• congruent
• agreeing
• concordant
• consonant
• correspondent (with or to)
• harmonious
• conformable (to)
• similar
• like
• congruous
• accordant
• nonconflicting
• akin

2

as in volatile

likely to change frequently, suddenly, or unexpectedly

an inconsistent breeze was our only relief from the heat

Synonyms & Similar Words

• volatile
• unpredictable
• unstable
• changeful
• variable
• uncertain
• unsettled
• capricious
• inconstant
• mercurial
• fluctuating
• changeable
• erratic
• mutable
• fickle
• temperamental
• unreliable
• unsteady
• up in the air
• haphazard
• random
• fluid
• shaky
• arbitrary
• scattered
• skittish
• flickery
• slapdash
• aimless
• ambivalent
• stray
• hit-or-miss
• untrustworthy
• desultory
• undependable
• irregular
• dicey
• versatile
• vacillating
• wavering
• adaptable
• protean
• hesitating
• mobile
• shilly-shallying
• shilly-shally

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• certain
• constant
• predictable
• stable
• steady
• invariable
• unchanging
• immutable
• unchangeable
• stationary
• uniform
• settled
• even
• persistent
• unvarying
• permanent
• durable
• changeless
• reliable
• lasting
• abiding
• true
• equable
• sure
• dependable
• trustworthy
• tried
• trusty
• tried-and-true

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of inconsistent

Scorsese’s all-over-the-place 1980s output was criticized as inconsistent at the time, but fans have come to appreciate The King of Comedy and After Hours. — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 30 July 2026

His fastball is big but inconsistent, which could lead to him being a middle reliever in the long run. — Dan Hayes, New York Times, 30 July 2026

Is the Food and Drug Administration taking inconsistent approaches to Duchenne muscular dystrophy drugs? — Elaine Chen, STAT, 30 July 2026

In Gemini, the red planet wants variety and options, which can be equally exciting and inconsistent. — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026