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
The decision was inconsistent with company policy.
c
: incoherent or illogical in thought or actions : not always acting or happening the same way
His pitching has been inconsistent this season.
The pain is inconsistent.
d
: not satisfiable by the same set of values for the unknowns
inconsistent equations
inconsistent inequalities
inconsistently
adverb
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
New York outscored Atlanta by roughly 20 points per 100 possessions with Robinson on the floor — yet minutes were inconsistent.
—
Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 2 May 2026
Clegg was Plascencia’s understudy and the favorite to win the job this season, but was inconsistent throughout the spring.
—Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2026
For now, the Jupiter 2 stands as a capable but inconsistent entry in the large-format resin category, and our top pick remains the Photon M7 Max.
—Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 2 May 2026
The other roommate was cooperative while Abugharbieh gave elusive and inconsistent answers, the sheriff said.
—Mike Schneider, Sun Sentinel, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for inconsistent
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Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 2 May 2026
Clegg was Plascencia’s understudy and the favorite to win the job this season, but was inconsistent throughout the spring.
—Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2026
For now, the Jupiter 2 stands as a capable but inconsistent entry in the large-format resin category, and our top pick remains the Photon M7 Max.
—Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 2 May 2026
The other roommate was cooperative while Abugharbieh gave elusive and inconsistent answers, the sheriff said.
—Mike Schneider, Sun Sentinel, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for inconsistent
Cite this Entry
“Inconsistent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inconsistent. Accessed 5 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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