incoherence

noun

in·​co·​her·​ence ˌin-kō-ˈhir-ən(t)s  -ˈher- 

1

: the quality or state of being incoherent

2

: something that is incoherent

Examples of incoherence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Granted, there was a lot to criticize in my writing, which was suffering from all sorts of problems, from structural incoherence to insufficient character development to—yes—didactic heavy-handedness that broke the reader’s immersion. —Literary Hub, 23 Apr. 2026

Analysts and former diplomats told CNN that successive British governments have failed to strike the correct balance on China, resulting in a policy characterized by mistrust, skittishness and incoherence. —Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 27 Jan. 2026

The Europe section highlights the incoherence of the grand plan. —Thomas Wright, The Atlantic, 8 Dec. 2025

We’re saturated with incoherence — fragmented media, endless information, constant moral redefinition. —Big Think, 29 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for incoherence

• disappearance
• interference
• perseverance
• reappearance
• adherence
• appearance
• coherence
• preclearance
• clearance
• noninterference

Kids Definition

incoherence

noun

in·​co·​her·​ence ˌin-kō-ˈhir-ən(t)s 

-ˈher-

1

: the quality or state of being incoherent

2

: something that is incoherent

Medical Definition

incoherence

noun

in·​co·​her·​ence ˌin-kō-ˈhir-ən(t)s  -ˈher- 

: the quality or state of being incoherent