INCONSISTENT Definition & Meaning

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inconsistent

[ in-kuhn-sis-tuhnt ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

lacking in harmony between the different parts or elements; self-contradictory:
an inconsistent story.
Synonyms:
lacking agreement, as one thing with another or two or more things in relation to each other; at variance:
a summary that is inconsistent with the previously stated facts.
Synonyms: ,
not consistent in principles, conduct, etc.:
He's so inconsistent we never know if he'll be kind or cruel.
acting at variance with professed principles.
Logic. incompatible ( def 4b ).

inconsistent

/ ˌɪ�԰�ə��ˈ��ɪ��ə�Գ� /

adjective

lacking in consistency, agreement, or compatibility; at variance
containing contradictory elements
irregular or fickle in behaviour or mood
Alsoincompatible maths (of two or more equations) not having one common set of values of the variables: x + 2 y = 5 and x + 2 y = 6 are inconsistent
logic (of a set of propositions) enabling an explicit contradiction to be validly derived

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Derived Forms

ˌ��Գ��ǲ�ˈ��ٱ�Գٱ��, adverb

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Other 51�Թ� Forms

��c�ǲ�·��ĲԳ�·�� adverb

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of inconsistent¹

First recorded in 1640–50; in- ³ + consistent

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Synonym Study

Inconsistent, incompatible, incongruous refer to things that are out of keeping with each other. That which is inconsistent involves variance, discrepancy, or even contradiction, especially from the point of view of truth, reason, or logic: His actions are inconsistent with his statements. Incompatible implies incapability of close association or harmonious relationship, as from differences of nature, character, temperament, and the like: actions incompatible with honesty of purpose; qualities that make two people incompatible. Something that is incongruous is inappropriate or out of keeping, often to the point of being ridiculous or absurd: Incongruous characters or situations frequently provide a basis for comedy.

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Stuck in a vicious cycle of innocence lost, regained, then lost again, American history reveals itself to be a series of stories told by individuals dependent on inconsistent and unreliable sources.

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"I was a little bit inconsistent but I battled on. In the past I probably throw those games away. There were some ragged points but I'm glad to get a win."

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Growing up, Mashharawi had been accustomed to life with inconsistent power — as little as three hours a day.

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The Hollywood resident said that while ride-hailing and delivery companies are raising prices for customers, drivers get an increasingly small share due to “nonsensical” and “inconsistent” fees.

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Other issues were that people were not always confident about raising concerns, medicine storage was put at risk by inconsistent temperature regulation, and checks on emergency equipment were not always completed.

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