inconsistency

noun

Definition of inconsistencynext
as in error
something that is not in agreement with other information The job application was full of inconsistencies; even the applicant's name was spelled three different ways.

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of inconsistency The inconsistency in messaging raises further doubts that negotiators can meet their 60-day deadline after the two sides traded attacks over the weekend, straining their already fragile ceasefire. — Deva Lee, CNN Money, 30 June 2026 The report released last year from the Office of Performance Evaluations found the money’s use wasn’t addressed in state law, which led to inconsistencies and ambiguity on what it can be used for. — Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 1 July 2026 But there’s some inconsistency between those opinions and the Lisa Cook case, where the justices said the president couldn’t simply fire a member of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. — John E. Jones Iii, The Conversation, 1 July 2026 Demographers who attempted to validate his age wrote that their investigation uncovered irregularities and inconsistencies. — Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for inconsistency
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inconsistency
  1. error
  2. mistake
  3. discrepancy
  4. difference
  5. disparity
Noun
  • Third baseman Ryan McMahon also committed a throwing error, New York's 19th in its last 14 games.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026
  • England is hoping karma is on its side after a famous goal-scoring error sealed a World Cup loss to Argentina 40 years ago at Azteca Stadium.
    — Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of error
Noun
  • Despite the full lineup and passionate patriotic crowd in Seattle, Team USA looked uncomfortable from the start, fell behind early, made sloppy mistakes and could not keep up with the Belgians, who move on to face Spain in the quarterfinals.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026
  • The scribe carefully inscribed each line with a quill made from a goose feather, while their other hand wielded an erasing knife used to sharpen the quill and scrape away any mistakes.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 July 2026
Definition of mistake
Noun
  • Fox News Digital has reached out to the Justice Department seeking clarification about an apparent discrepancy in its announcement regarding the age of one of the alleged trafficking victims and will update this story if a response is received.
    — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
  • This allowed ShinWon to automatically review, extract, and verify sourcing documents to detect potential discrepancies even before production begins.
    — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 30 June 2026
Definition of discrepancy
Noun
  • There may be some differences between the audio and the text.
    — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Heavy Cream The biggest difference between half-and-half and heavy cream is the amount of fat.
    — Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 3 July 2026
Definition of difference
Noun
  • Following the controversy, SCUSD formed a task force made up of Black community leaders and advocates, which later developed a set of recommendations for the district to better address its racial disparities.
    — Chaewon Chung July 3, Sacbee.com, 3 July 2026
  • To address disparities, the report calls for short-term and long-term initiatives that target 12 major issues.
    — Chase Hunter, Mercury News, 1 July 2026
Definition of disparity

Browse Nearby Words

inconsistencies
inconsistency
inconsistent
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Cite this Entry

“Inconsistency.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inconsistency. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on inconsistency

Nglish: Translation of inconsistency for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about inconsistency

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