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.
The offense experienced inconsistency after a hot start. Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025 Simplify To Scale Negotiating pay can be a messy, time-consuming process full of inconsistencies and biases. Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025 Williams totaled 15 touchdowns while starting four games and playing in nine for the Golden Hurricane in 2023, though injuries and inconsistency led to question marks going into 2024. Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025 The problem is that the only consistent feature of Brighton’s season so far has been inconsistency, which extends to what are deemed to be easier, challenging or difficult fixtures in the Opta model. Andy Naylor, New York Times, 9 Apr. 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 19 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
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