Synonyms for

Inconsistent

Verb / ˌɪnkʌˈnsɪstʌnt / Another word for inconsistent — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

not staying the same throughout; not consistent or regular

Synonyms & similar words

consistent discrepant unreliable incoherent erratic unpredictable varying changeable unsteady fluctuating ununiform discrepant capricious uneven sporadic inconstant irregular unsystematic haphazard incongruous contradictory nonuniform

Synonyms by register

Formal

discrepant contradictory conflicting disparate

Informal

all over the place wishy-washy shifty hit-or-miss

Literary

mutable capricious fickle

Antonyms

consistent uniform stable regular constant dependable unchanging

Common collocations

  • inconsistent results
  • inconsistent behavior
  • inconsistent data
  • inconsistent argument
  • inconsistent with
  • inconsistent application
  • inconsistent performance

Word family

noun inconsistency
adjective inconsistent
adverb inconsistently

Usage note

Often used to describe results, behavior, or data that varies or contradicts itself. It implies a lack of uniformity or predictability.

Example sentences

  1. The weather has been inconsistent lately, one day it's hot and the next it's cold.
  2. He had an inconsistent performance in the game, sometimes making great plays and other times making mistakes.
  3. Her work schedule was inconsistent, sometimes she worked long hours and other times she had short shifts.
  4. The politician's statements were inconsistent with his previous positions.
  5. The data was inconsistent with the theory.

Quotes

  • Consistency requires discipline.
  • Inconsistency is the only thing in which men are consistent.
  • Inconsistency is the bugbear of small minds.

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