Inconsistent Meaning

/ˌɪnkənˈsɪstənt/
C1

Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.

Listen pronunciation

adjNot consistent:

adjNot consistent:, Not compatible (with another thing); incompatible, discrepant, at odds.

His argument is inconsistent with our policy.
His story is inconsistent in many places.
That news report is inconsistent with the facts.
CEFR Practice Quiz
His performance at work was ____, sometimes excellent and other times terrible.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Her behavior has been very ____ lately, making it hard for her friends to know what to expect.

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *né Proto-Indo-European *n̥- Proto-Italic *n̥- Latin in-bor. Middle English in- English in- English consistent English inconsistent From in- + consistent.

"He was one of those men of inconsistent politics, governed at once by prejudice and sympathies, whose 'attitude' it is impossible to foretell." — 1862, Robert Aspland, editor, The Christian Reformer:
"“Take him for better or worse,” added Mr. Lee, “and I think he is the strangest and most inconsistent man I ever saw.” “Inconsistent!” resumed Mr. Jones. “He is worse than inconsistent. Inconsistencies may be pardoned as constitutional defects [...]”" — 1848, The Columbian Magazine, volume 9, page 88:

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CEFR Practice Quiz
His performance at work was ____, sometimes excellent and other times terrible.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
Her behavior has been very ____ lately, making it hard for her friends to know what to expect.

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