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

In terms of individual markets, and as noted above, China continues to be inconsistent for Hollywood, but even its local titles had issues in 2024. —Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 15 Jan. 2025

His performance has been inconsistent at times, and there have been problems out of his control, like mechanical issues, team mistakes or strategy not panning out. —Luke Smith, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025

Meanwhile, the Jayhawks have an elite defense and a somewhat inconsistent offense. —Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 15 Jan. 2025

The market is growing rapidly, although the investment levels have been inconsistent. —Dario Sabaghi, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025

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