inconsistent

adjective

in·​con·​sis·​tent ˌin-kən-ˈsi-stənt How to pronounce inconsistent (audio)
: 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

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
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.
In the two congressional districts that cover Sacramento County, around a quarter of residents over 16 have inconsistent access to a car, and 4% of the driving-age population — almost 56,000 individuals — live in households with no cars at all. Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 13 Nov. 2025 Social media is constantly accusing me of being inconsistent and throwing people under the bus on a whim. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 13 Nov. 2025 Several of the things that happened next were, even by OSHA’s admission, inconsistent with the agency’s standard process and norms. Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 12 Nov. 2025 The fabric platform addresses key challenges brands face such as supply chain complexity, certification hurdles and inconsistent quality standards across the industry. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 12 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inconsistent

Word History

First Known Use

1620, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inconsistent was in 1620

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inconsistent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inconsistent. Accessed 19 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

inconsistent

adjective
in·​con·​sis·​tent ˌin-kən-ˈsis-tənt How to pronounce inconsistent (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on inconsistent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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