English Reference

Word

consistently

Phoneticscon·sis·tent·ly, stress on the second syllable

US/kənˈsɪstəntɫi/

UK/kənsˈɪstəntli/

Adverb of manner

Definitions

01regularly and reliably

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adv. doing something in a way that does not change, so you always get the same result.

adv. in a systematic or reliable manner that maintains the same standard or pattern over time.

“She consistently arrives ten minutes early for every meeting.”

“The athlete has consistently outperformed his rivals this season, maintaining a level of physical conditioning that few others can match.”

Usage

typically placed before the verb it modifies or at the end of a clause.

Antonyms

erraticallyinconsistently

02always or constantly

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adv. happening all the time or in every case.

adv. occurring in every instance without exception; used to emphasize a persistent state or habit.

“The weather in this region is consistently warm throughout the year.”

“The company's annual reports consistently highlight innovation as their primary driver for growth, regardless of the fluctuating economic climate.”

Antonyms

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “consistently” in context.

Verb

01. consistently apply

“Teachers should consistently apply the school rules to ensure fairness for all students.”

adv + verb

02. consistently associate

“Researchers consistently associate a healthy diet with a lower risk of heart disease.”

adv + verb

Adjective

03. consistently high

“The athlete has maintained a consistently high level of performance all season.”

adv + adj

04. consistently low

“The company struggled to survive due to consistently low sales throughout the year.”

adv + adj

05. consistently shows

Real-World Examples

“Sunderland have several exciting attacking players, but Le Fee looks like the player most capable of consistently contributing across the season.”
BBC News 14 Aug 2026
“Boeing has consistently denied allowing potentially dangerous planes to enter service.”
BBC News 10 Jun 2026

Etymology

From consistent + -ly.

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

Word family

ADVERB

consistently(B2)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Common
Level
B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
Updated

QR code

englishreference.com/q/consistently

English Reference