Word
inconsistent
Phoneticsin·con·sis·tent, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌɪnkənˈsɪstənt/
UK/ɪnkənsˈɪstənt/
Definitions
01changing often
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. not staying the same in quality or behaviour; unpredictable.
adj. lacking a steady or uniform quality over time; erratic in performance or behaviour.
“The team lost the game because their defense was inconsistent throughout the season.”
“The athlete's inconsistent performance during the qualifiers raised concerns about her ability to maintain focus under the pressure of the finals.”
Usage
Often used to describe performance, quality, or human behaviour.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02not matching
B2 · Upper Intermediate Logic Academic
adj. containing parts that do not agree with each other or with the facts.
adj. displaying a lack of logical harmony or agreement between different elements, statements, or findings.
“The witness gave an inconsistent account of what happened that night.”
“The researcher noted that the new data was inconsistent with previous findings, suggesting a need for a complete revision of the theory.”
Usage
Commonly followed by the preposition 'with'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “inconsistent” in context.
Adjective
01. inconsistent with
“The witness's new testimony is inconsistent with the evidence found at the scene.”
adj + prep
Real-World Examples
“Nigeria’s electricity supply is notoriously inconsistent, and many households receive only a few hours of power each day.” “The questions and product definitions used in these surveys can also be inconsistent.” “However, studies have focused only on individual countries, and results have proved inconsistent.” Etymology
From in- + consistent.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- 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
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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