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
Younane says the engagement from clubs is inconsistent and too dependent on key individuals.
—
Cerys Jones, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2026
The veteran forward spent the previous 3 1/2 seasons with the Ducks, but struggled to produce during inconsistent playing time from Quenneville before his departure at the deadline.
—CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026
The veteran forward spent the previous 3½ seasons with the Ducks, but struggled to produce during inconsistent playing time from Quenneville before his departure at the deadline.
—Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2026
But then a second ailment cost him two weeks, and he's been inconsistent in the new year.
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 5 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inconsistent
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Cerys Jones, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2026
The veteran forward spent the previous 3 1/2 seasons with the Ducks, but struggled to produce during inconsistent playing time from Quenneville before his departure at the deadline.
—CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026
The veteran forward spent the previous 3½ seasons with the Ducks, but struggled to produce during inconsistent playing time from Quenneville before his departure at the deadline.
—Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2026
But then a second ailment cost him two weeks, and he's been inconsistent in the new year.
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 5 Apr. 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 8 Apr. 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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