inconsistency

noun

in·​con·​sis·​ten·​cy ˌin-kən-ˈsi-stən(t)-sē 

1

: an instance of being inconsistent

… treats every human inconsistency as a hypocrisy …

—G. K. Chesterton

2

: the quality or state of being inconsistent

inconsistency in the restaurant's service

noticed inconsistency in the two statements

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

The program, which was suspended in April 2025 following complaints and inconsistencies, is returning with major changes, officials said. —Ivan Taylor, CBS News, 2 May 2026

Hunter Schafer is also a possibility for Euphoria, though the show’s inconsistencies in writing for her character could be a roadblock. —Joe Reid, Vulture, 2 May 2026

Also, keep in mind that for underdogs, inconsistency is often a feature, not a bug. —Peter Keating, New York Times, 1 May 2026

The inconsistency in play behind Dalton Schultz prompted Houston to want to address the position. —Jonathan M. Alexander, Houston Chronicle, 30 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for inconsistency

• consistency
• persistency

Kids Definition

inconsistency

noun

in·​con·​sis·​ten·​cy ˌin-kən-ˈsis-tən-sē 

plural inconsistencies

1

: the quality or state of being inconsistent

2

: an example of being inconsistent