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

This consistency is key for scaling teams and driving predictable outcomes. —Eilon Reshef, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025

The only other Top 25 teams that come close to that level of excellence and consistency? —Brendan Marks, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025

It's got a watery consistency and blends seamlessly without leaving my skin looking dusty. —Siena Gagliano, Allure, 20 Feb. 2025

However, this could also be viewed as a positive because Warren has a lot of room to grow both in the passing game and because of his lack of consistency in blocking. —Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 20 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

consist(ence) + -ency

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 3b

Phrases Containing consistency

• self-consistency

Rhymes for consistency

• persistency
• inconsistency

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