consistency

noun

con·​sis·​ten·​cy kən-ˈsi-stən(t)-sē How to pronounce consistency (audio)
plural consistencies
1
a
: agreement or harmony of parts or features to one another or a whole : correspondence
The furnishings and decorations in all the rooms reflect a consistency of style.
specifically : ability to be asserted together without contradiction
b
: harmony of conduct or practice with profession
followed her own advice with consistency
2
: degree of firmness, density, viscosity, or resistance to movement or separation of constituent particles
Boil the juice to the consistency of a thick syrup.
3
a
: firmness of constitution or character : persistency
… the rigid consistency with which he had adhered to its principles …Nathaniel Hawthorne
b
archaic : condition of adhering together : firmness of material substance

Examples of consistency in a Sentence

His statements on this subject have lacked consistency. Customers expect consistency in the quality of service they receive. Practice will ensure greater consistency of performance. The paints vary in consistency.
Recent Examples on the Web For the Jayhawks, the game against Baylor provided a glimpse into the level of effort and consistency KU needs to reach its postseason aspirations. Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 2 Mar. 2024 By focusing on education, safety protocols and customer service quality, these training sessions play a crucial role in maintaining brand consistency. Gigi Schweikert, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Commercial cleaners may foam or have a thick consistency, which helps. Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, 1 Mar. 2024 Stage one foods are single-ingredient foods that are pureed to a thin, smooth consistency. Laura Denby, Parents, 29 Feb. 2024 Authentic, Italian risotto is loose, boasting a porridge-like consistency. Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 29 Feb. 2024 This part of her career is all about consistency, according to Saweetie. Lakin Imani Starling, Allure, 29 Feb. 2024 The first portion is mashed to the consistency of your liking, while the second is left whole, for different textures in every bite. Ali Slagle, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Feb. 2024 Brown was asked if there is a way to replicate the Heat’s culture, which is defined by professionalism, toughness, fitness, consistency and a next-man-up mentality. Jason Anderson, Sacramento Bee, 27 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'consistency.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

consist(ence) + -ency

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 3b

Time Traveler
The first known use of consistency was in 1594

Dictionary Entries Near consistency

Cite this Entry

“Consistency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consistency. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

consistency

noun
con·​sis·​ten·​cy kən-ˈsis-tən-sē How to pronounce consistency (audio)
plural consistencies
1
: the degree of thickness, firmness, or stickiness
dough of the right consistency
2
: agreement or harmony between parts or elements
3
: a sticking with one way of thinking or acting

More from Merriam-Webster on consistency

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