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View synonyms for

inconsistent

[ in-kuhn-sis-tuhnt ]

adjective

  1. lacking in harmony between the different parts or elements; self-contradictory:

    an inconsistent story.

    Synonyms:

  2. 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: ,

  3. not consistent in principles, conduct, etc.:

    He's so inconsistent we never know if he'll be kind or cruel.

  4. acting at variance with professed principles.


inconsistent

/ ˌɪ԰əˈɪəԳ /

adjective

  1. lacking in consistency, agreement, or compatibility; at variance
  2. containing contradictory elements
  3. irregular or fickle in behaviour or mood
  4. 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
  5. logic (of a set of propositions) enabling an explicit contradiction to be validly derived
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˌԳDzˈٱԳٱ, adverb
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Other Word Forms

  • cDz·IJԳ· adverb
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Word 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.

"This can include everything from arrests, criminal convictions, and engaging in conduct that is inconsistent with the visa classification, to an overstay."

From

She ran up against a byzantine system of confidential databases and inconsistent data entry processes that left her with few answers as to why the restraining order was not enforced.

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Quite inconsistent and that makes it very hard to understand what you need from the car when for whatever reason we can't seem to make the tyres work.

From

In his book India's Trade Policy: The 1990s and Beyond, Columbia University economist and noted trade expert Arvind Panagariya traces the complex and often inconsistent evolution of India's approach to trade.

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Defending champion Bell has been inconsistent but still is favored to win the Eastern League.

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inconsistencyinconsolable