incoherence

noun

in·​co·​her·​ence ˌin-kō-ˈhir-ən(t)s How to pronounce incoherence (audio) -ˈher- How to pronounce incoherence (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being incoherent
2
: something that is incoherent

Examples of incoherence in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Domestic politics explains Blinken’s and Biden’s remarks, their frenzied pursuit of a Palestinian mirage, and the general incoherence of President Biden’s actions in the Middle East. Matthew Continetti, National Review, 10 Feb. 2024 As Dominique pointed out, Sharma often rambled in texts, sometimes to the point of incoherence. Patrick Radden Keefe, The New Yorker, 5 Feb. 2024 What emerged in the galleries was a puddle of incoherence. Brian T. Allen, National Review, 21 Dec. 2023 Trump’s general malevolence sometimes obscures his incoherence. David Remnick, The New Yorker, 24 Sep. 2023 The exchange, in all its menacing incoherence, seemed to perfectly sum up the state of American politics on the eve of an election year. Susan B. Glasser, The New Yorker, 7 Dec. 2023 The inmate, identified only as W.W., exhibited sudden symptoms that included incoherence and the inability to stand, according to court filings by federal prosecutors. CBS News, 29 Nov. 2023 Erika, 52, asks and bursts into laughter at the Two and a Half Men star's incoherence. Esther Kang, Peoplemag, 23 Nov. 2023 Unfortunately, the pope’s moral incoherence is nothing new. WSJ, 26 Oct. 2023

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

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of incoherence was in 1611

Dictionary Entries Near incoherence

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

incoherence

noun
in·​co·​her·​ence ˌin-kō-ˈhir-ən(t)s How to pronounce incoherence (audio)
-ˈher-
1
: the quality or state of being incoherent
2
: something that is incoherent

Medical Definition

incoherence

noun
in·​co·​her·​ence ˌin-kō-ˈhir-ən(t)s How to pronounce incoherence (audio) -ˈher- How to pronounce incoherence (audio)
: the quality or state of being incoherent

More from Merriam-Webster on incoherence

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!