consistency

noun

con·​sis·​ten·​cy kən-ˈsi-stən(t)-sē 

plural consistencies

1

a

: agreement or harmony of parts or features to one another or a whole : correspondence

The furnishings and decorations in all the rooms reflect a consistency of style.

specifically : ability to be asserted together without contradiction

b

: harmony of conduct or practice with profession

followed her own advice with consistency

2

: degree of firmness, density, viscosity, or resistance to movement or separation of constituent particles

Boil the juice to the consistency of a thick syrup.

3

a

: firmness of constitution or character : persistency

… the rigid consistency with which he had adhered to its principles …

—Nathaniel Hawthorne

b

archaic : condition of adhering together : firmness of material substance

Synonyms

• consistence
• density
• thickness
• viscidity
• viscosity

Examples of consistency in a Sentence

His statements on this subject have lacked consistency.

Customers expect consistency in the quality of service they receive.

Practice will ensure greater consistency of performance.

The paints vary in consistency.

Recent Examples on the Web

Gentry will go from flying on and off the field, to all around it, with consistency. —Aaron Heisen, Orange County Register, 5 Apr. 2024

Best Newcomer Next on our list is Penguin, who’ve crept up into the CBD world as a brand with exceptional value and consistency. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024

Miami’s offense has struggled to find consistency and power through its first seven games. —Andre Fernandez, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2024

Its consistency was smooth, thick, and luxurious, yet light upon application, which is ideal for easily dry skin. —Lauren Paige Richeson, Health, 3 Apr. 2024

Cornerback Devin Kirkwood will be seeking more consistency after an up-and-down season that resulted in a demotion to a reserve role. —Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2024

Beat until light and fluffy, adding additional puree as needed to reach a spreadable consistency. —Pam Lolley, Southern Living, 30 Mar. 2024

Both sorbet and ice cream came out with a thick, creamy consistency. —Laura Denby, Peoplemag, 28 Mar. 2024

Rooker and Brown led the A’s in home runs the past two seasons, respectively, but neither has displayed much consistency. —Laurence Miedema, The Mercury News, 28 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

consist(ence) + -ency

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 3b

Phrases Containing consistency

• self-consistency

Kids Definition

consistency

noun

con·​sis·​ten·​cy kən-ˈsis-tən-sē 

plural consistencies

1

: the degree of thickness, firmness, or stickiness

dough of the right consistency

2

: agreement or harmony between parts or elements

3

: a sticking with one way of thinking or acting