inconsistent
Americanadjective
-
lacking in harmony between the different parts or elements; self-contradictory.
an inconsistent story.
- Synonyms:
- incoherent
-
lacking agreement, as one thing with another or two or more things in relation to each other; at variance.
a summary that is inconsistent with the previously stated facts.
- Synonyms:
- irreconcilable, discrepant
-
not consistent in principles, conduct, etc..
He's so inconsistent we never know if he'll be kind or cruel.
-
acting at variance with professed principles.
-
Logic. incompatible.
adjective
-
lacking in consistency, agreement, or compatibility; at variance
-
containing contradictory elements
-
irregular or fickle in behaviour or mood
-
Also: incompatible. maths (of two or more equations) not having one common set of values of the variables: x + 2 y = 5 and x + 2 y = 6 are inconsistent
-
logic (of a set of propositions) enabling an explicit contradiction to be validly derived
Related Words
Inconsistent, incompatible, incongruous refer to things that are out of keeping with each other. That which is inconsistent involves variance, discrepancy, or even contradiction, especially from the point of view of truth, reason, or logic: His actions are inconsistent with his statements. Incompatible implies incapability of close association or harmonious relationship, as from differences of nature, character, temperament, and the like: actions incompatible with honesty of purpose; qualities that make two people incompatible. Something that is incongruous is inappropriate or out of keeping, often to the point of being ridiculous or absurd: Incongruous characters or situations frequently provide a basis for comedy.
Other Word Forms
- inconsistently adverb
Etymology
Origin of inconsistent
First recorded in 1640–50; in- 3 + consistent
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Last Sunday’s debacle in an uninspiring and ugly loss to a higher-seeded, more aggressive, more talented and more balanced Celtics team seemed to expose all the flaws that plague this struggling and inconsistent Lakers team.
From Los Angeles Times
It’s critical that you feel empowered and see the difference between improved communication and unclear expectations or inconsistent feedback from your boss.
From MarketWatch
The interviews are inconsistent, and some are more edifying than others.
Though some psi studies continue today, most major universities have ended their programs due to inconsistent findings, lack of usefulness, or outright fraud.
From Literature
The transaction is then reviewed by automated monitoring systems, and if something seems inconsistent might the bank request documentation like estate paperwork.
From MarketWatch
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
