inconsistent

adjective

in·​con·​sis·​tent ˌin-kən-ˈsi-stənt 

: lacking consistency: such as

a

: not compatible with another fact or claim

inconsistent statements

b

: containing incompatible elements

an inconsistent argument

c

: incoherent or illogical in thought or actions : changeable

d

: not satisfiable by the same set of values for the unknowns

inconsistent equations

inconsistent inequalities

inconsistently adverb

Synonyms

• clashing
• conflicting
• disagreeing
• discordant
• discrepant
• incompatible
• incongruous
• inconsonant
• inharmonious
• mutually exclusive
• repugnant

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

The Premier League this season is inconsistent, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. —Nick Miller, The Athletic, 13 Dec. 2024

True, Anthony Richardson is wildly inconsistent but he’s got the big arm to burn the Broncos deep as Jameis Winston did before Denver’s bye. —Hank Gola, New York Daily News, 13 Dec. 2024

Gruden won a Super Bowl against his former Raiders squad in his first year in Tampa, but the rest of his tenure was wildly inconsistent. —Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 13 Dec. 2024

Being inconsistent with genocide allegations sets a dangerous precedent. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1620, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

inconsistent

adjective

in·​con·​sis·​tent ˌin-kən-ˈsis-tənt 

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