inconsistency

noun

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

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

That would include starting pitching depth as the 38-year-old Darvish has thrown just 218 innings over the last two seasons and Waldron and Vásquez have to iron out their inconsistencies to truly cement their spots in the organization. —Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Feb. 2025

Left-back has been scrutinised due to Andy Robertson’s inconsistency and Kostas Tsimikas not being a long-term solution. —Sam Lee, The Athletic, 5 Feb. 2025

This filing comes after several previous filings from Jay-Z's legal team citing inconsistencies between Doe's lawsuit and her December interview with NBC News. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025

Scrutinize unexpected invites carefully: Examine the sender's details, including their name, domain and email address, for any inconsistencies or signs of spoofing. —Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 29 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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