inconsistent

adjective

in·​con·​sis·​tent ˌin-kən-ˈsi-stənt How to pronounce inconsistent (audio)
: lacking consistency: such as
a
: not compatible with another fact or claim
inconsistent statements
b
: containing incompatible elements
an inconsistent argument
c
: incoherent or illogical in thought or actions : changeable
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Loomer has cast doubt on his ability to appeal to true conservatives, referring to his policy positions as inconsistent with the MAGA agenda and his historical ties to the Democratic Party. David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 This, Westcott told jurors, is inconsistent with Allen's actual behaviors during sessions with Wala. Ron Wilkins, The Indianapolis Star, 4 Nov. 2024 The complaint argued that the state's electioneering laws unconstitutionally chilled her right to free speech and that enforcement was inconsistent. Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 3 Nov. 2024 A number of new tools have come on the market recently that keep track of AI model output and can detect inconsistent or unusual outputs. Joe McKendrick, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for inconsistent 

Word History

First Known Use

1620, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inconsistent was in 1620

Dictionary Entries Near inconsistent

Cite this Entry

“Inconsistent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inconsistent. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

inconsistent

adjective
in·​con·​sis·​tent ˌin-kən-ˈsis-tənt How to pronounce inconsistent (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on inconsistent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!