English Reference
noun

consistency

n.
US /kənˈsɪstənsi/ UK /kənsˈɪstənsi/ con·sis·ten·cy UK spelling consistencies

  1. 01 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.

    Simple

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

    In context

    The manager praised the staff for their consistency in maintaining high service standards even during the busiest weeks of the tourist season.

    inconsistencyunreliability
  2. 02 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.

    Simple

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

    In context

    The chef explained that the batter must reach a thick, ribbon-like consistency before it is ready to be folded into the egg whites.

  3. 03 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.

    Simple

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

    In context

    The research paper was criticised because the data lacked consistency with the theoretical framework established in the opening chapters.

  4. 04 C2 Proficiency TechnicalAcademic 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.

    Simple

    The professor proved the consistency of the new mathematical model.

    In context

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

Usage ensure consistency · internal consistency · logical consistency

Society hasn’t reached general agreement or consistency in how to define human biological sex.

The Conversation· 17 Aug 2026

However, he said the consistency of the changes across a large population warrants attention.

ScienceDaily· 15 Aug 2026

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

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated