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 Ellison always had been an inconsistent communicator, which drove some of her business partners crazy. Rebecca Keegan, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Mar. 2024 There is an alternative to the trial-and-error style prompt engineering that yielded such inconsistent results: Ask the language model to devise its own optimal prompt. IEEE Spectrum, 6 Mar. 2024 The 6-foot-2, 225-pound receiver has excellent size and speed, even if both qualities have led to inconsistent results over the years. Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 5 Mar. 2024 If time exposes her as inconsistent with this rule herself — serving up her husband’s family’s health information, say — then some confusion on your part is warranted. Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 21 Feb. 2024 The passenger claimed to have been misled on the airline’s rules for bereavement fares when the chatbot hallucinated an answer inconsistent with airline policy. Marisa Garcia, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2024 Amidst the tumultuous and inconsistent performances from Manchester United players, one individual has quietly emerged as the club's most improved and important player during the 23/24 campaign: Diogo Dalot. Liam Canning, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Last season, Young was surrounded by an underwhelming and inconsistent crew at the playmaking positions. Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 29 Feb. 2024 However, the varied and inconsistent prices at its franchises have ignited outrage recently for affecting the affordability of its food. Jordan Valinsky, CNN, 27 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inconsistent.' 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

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 19 Mar. 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

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