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Synonyms
inconsistent - 4 dictionary results
in⋅con⋅sist⋅ent
[in-kuh
n-sis-tuhnt] 
–adjective
| 1. | lacking in harmony between the different parts or elements; self-contradictory: an inconsistent story. |
| 2. | lacking agreement, as one thing with another or two or more things in relation to each other; at variance: a summary that is inconsistent with the previously stated facts. |
| 3. | not consistent in principles, conduct, etc.: He's so inconsistent we never know if he'll be kind or cruel. |
| 4. | acting at variance with professed principles. |
| 5. | Logic. incompatible (def. 4b). |
Related forms:
in⋅con⋅sist⋅ent⋅ly, adverb
Synonyms:
1. incoherent. 2. discrepant, disagreeing, irreconcilable. Inconsistent, incompatible, incongruous refer to things that are out of keeping with each other. That which is inconsistent involves variance, discrepancy, or even contradiction, esp. from the point of view of truth, reason, or logic: His actions are inconsistent with his statements. Incompatible implies incapability of close association or harmonious relationship, as from differences of nature, character, temperament, and the like: actions incompatible with honesty of purpose; qualities that make two people incompatible. Something that is incongruous is inappropriate or out of keeping, often to the point of being ridiculous or absurd: Incongruous characters or situations frequently provide a basis for comedy.
1. incoherent. 2. discrepant, disagreeing, irreconcilable. Inconsistent, incompatible, incongruous refer to things that are out of keeping with each other. That which is inconsistent involves variance, discrepancy, or even contradiction, esp. from the point of view of truth, reason, or logic: His actions are inconsistent with his statements. Incompatible implies incapability of close association or harmonious relationship, as from differences of nature, character, temperament, and the like: actions incompatible with honesty of purpose; qualities that make two people incompatible. Something that is incongruous is inappropriate or out of keeping, often to the point of being ridiculous or absurd: Incongruous characters or situations frequently provide a basis for comedy.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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|
Link To inconsistent
| in·con·sis·tent (ĭn'kən-sĭs'tənt) adj.
|
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Inconsistent
In`con*sist"ent\, a. [Pref. in- not + consistent: cf. F. inconsistant.]1. Not consistent; showing inconsistency; irreconcilable; discordant; at variance, esp. as regards character, sentiment, or action; incompatible; incongruous; contradictory. Compositions of this nature . . . show that wisdom and virtue are far from being inconsistent with politeness and good humor. --Addison. 2. Not exhibiting uniformity of sentiment, steadiness to principle, etc.; unequal; fickle; changeable. Ah, how unjust to nature, and himself, Is thoughtless, thankless, inconsistent man. --Young. Syn: Incompatible; incongruous; irreconcilable; discordant; repugnant; contradictory. Usage: Inconsistent, Incongruous, Incompatible. Things are incongruous when they are not suited to each other, so that their union is unbecoming; inconsistent when they are opposed to each other, so as render it improper or wrong; incompatible when they can not coexist, and it is therefore impossible to unite them. Habitual levity of mind is incongruous with the profession of a clergyman; it is inconsistent with his ordination vows; it is incompatible with his permanent usefulness. Incongruity attaches to the modes and qualities of things; incompatibility attaches to their essential attributes; inconsistency attaches to the actions, sentiments, etc., of men.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
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Language Translation for : inconsistent
Spanish:
inconsecuente, contradictorio,
German:
widersprüchlich,
Japanese:
統一のない
inconsistent
1646, "not agreeing in substance or form," from in- "not" + consistent (q.v.).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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