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consistency

n.
US //kənˈsɪstənsi// UK //kənsˈɪstənsi// con·sis·ten·cy
  1. 1 uniformity of behaviour (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the quality of always acting or happening in the same way over time.

    the quality of achieving a level of performance or behaving in a way that does not vary over time.

    Example

    The team's consistency was the main reason they won the championship this year.

    Example

    The manager praised the staff for their consistency in maintaining high service standards even during the busiest weeks of the tourist season.
  2. 2 thickness of a substance (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    how thick, smooth, or firm a liquid or mixture is.

    the degree of firmness, density, or viscosity of a liquid or semi-solid substance.

    Example

    Add a little more milk until the sauce has a smooth consistency.

    Example

    The chef explained that the batter must reach a thick, ribbon-like consistency before it is ready to be folded into the egg whites.
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  1. 3 logical agreement (n.)
    C1 Advanced Academic Science

    the state of having different parts or ideas that agree with each other.

    the condition of being internally coherent or compatible; the absence of contradictions within a system or argument.

    Example

    The lawyer looked for consistency between the witness's new story and her old one.

    Example

    The research paper was criticised because the data lacked consistency with the theoretical framework established in the opening chapters.
  2. 4 logical non-contradiction (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Academic Math

    a state where a set of rules or ideas does not contain any parts that prove each other wrong.

    the property of a formal system or set of axioms where no two propositions derived from them are mutually contradictory.

    Example

    The professor proved the consistency of the new mathematical model.

    Example

    In formal logic, the consistency of a set of axioms is fundamental, as a single contradiction can render the entire system unsound.
Origin

By surface analysis, consistent + -cy, consistence + -y or consist + -ency.

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