inconsistency

noun

in·​con·​sis·​ten·​cy ˌin-kən-ˈsi-stən(t)-sē How to pronounce inconsistency (audio)
1
: an instance of being inconsistent
2
: the quality or state of being inconsistent

Examples of inconsistency in a Sentence

Police noticed inconsistency in his two statements. Customers have been complaining about the inconsistency in the quality of service they have received. The team's biggest problem has been inconsistency: it has played well at times, but at other times it has played very poorly. There is some inconsistency in her argument. Careful editing of the entire text has eliminated inconsistencies of style. We noted a major inconsistency in his story.
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.
Through all of the ups and downs, the injuries, the inconsistency, the drama, the controversy and a series of trades that the club knew would diminish the quality of their lineup in the short term, Vancouver has found ways to stay afloat. Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025 That’s one of many inconsistencies pertaining to size and nutrition. Manvir Singh, The New Yorker, 24 Mar. 2025 From its inception to the present day, the mortality data system has been plagued by inconsistencies, inefficiencies and tensions between medical professionals, state governments and the federal government. Dylan Thomas Doyle, The Conversation, 20 Mar. 2025 When the front, sides, and back are all different, the inconsistency can be distracting and cheapen the feeling of the neighborhood. Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 17 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inconsistency

Word History

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inconsistency was in 1647

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inconsistency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inconsistency. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

inconsistency

noun
in·​con·​sis·​ten·​cy ˌin-kən-ˈsis-tən-sē How to pronounce inconsistency (audio)
plural inconsistencies
1
: the quality or state of being inconsistent
2
: an example of being inconsistent
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!