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inconsistent

 - 3 dictionary results

in⋅con⋅sist⋅ent

  [in-kuhn-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).
Use inconsistent in a Sentence
Origin:
1640–50; in- 3 + consistent

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.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2010.
Cite This Source Link To inconsistent
in·con·sis·tent   (ĭn'kən-sĭs'tənt)   
adj.  

  1. Displaying or marked by a lack of consistency, especially:

    1. Not regular or predictable; erratic: inconsistent behavior.

    2. Lacking in correct logical relation; contradictory: inconsistent statements.

    3. Not in agreement or harmony; incompatible: an intersection inconsistent with the road map.

  2. Mathematics Not solvable for the unknowns by the same set of values. Used of two or more equations or inequalities.

in'con·sis'tent·ly adv.
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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Word Origin & History

inconsistent 
1646, "not agreeing in substance or form," from in- "not" + consistent (q.v.).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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