inconsistency
C1formal
Definition
Meaning
The state of being inconsistent, i.e., not staying the same in behaviour, quality, or standards, or containing parts that do not agree with each other.
A specific instance or example of contradictory facts, statements, or elements; a lack of harmony or compatibility in a set of ideas, actions, or results.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily an abstract noun referring to a quality or condition. Can be countable ('several inconsistencies') or uncountable ('a level of inconsistency'). Often implies a negative judgment, especially in logical, legal, or ethical contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling follows the standard pattern: '-ency' suffix in both.
Connotations
Similar connotations in both varieties: negative, suggesting unreliability, fault, or error.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in formal writing (academic, legal, technical) than in everyday speech in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
inconsistency in [something]inconsistency between [X] and [Y]inconsistency of [something]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To point up the inconsistency”
- “A glaring inconsistency”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The auditor discovered an inconsistency in the financial reports from Q3 and Q4.
Academic
The study's methodology was criticised for its statistical inconsistency across sample groups.
Everyday
There's a real inconsistency in his story—first he said he was home, then he said he was at the shops.
Technical
The algorithm failed due to an inconsistency in the underlying data schema.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The data inconsistently supports the hypothesis.
American English
- His attendance has been inconsistent all semester.
adverb
British English
- He applied the rules inconsistently, which caused complaints.
American English
- The policy has been enforced inconsistently across states.
adjective
British English
- Her inconsistent performance led to her being dropped from the team.
American English
- We received inconsistent feedback from the focus groups.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- There was an inconsistency in his story.
- The team's play has been full of inconsistency this season.
- The report highlights several glaring inconsistencies in the witness testimonies.
- Political inconsistency on this issue has frustrated voters.
- The judge ruled that the inconsistency between the contract and the verbal agreement rendered the clause void.
- Philosophical systems must be examined for internal inconsistency to assess their validity.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: IN (not) + CONSISTENCY (steady, reliable quality). An INCONSISTENCY is a NOT-steady, NOT-reliable element.
Conceptual Metaphor
HARMONY IS CONSISTENCY / DISCORD IS INCONSISTENCY. Inconsistency is often framed as a 'crack', 'flaw', or 'clash' within a system.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque from Russian 'неконсистентность' (неконсистентность) – it is a highly technical loanword and sounds unnatural. Use 'inconsistency' or 'discrepancy'.
- Do not confuse with 'instability' (нестабильность). Inconsistency is about contradiction; instability is about lack of steadiness.
Common Mistakes
- Using plural form for uncountable sense: 'There are many inconsistency' (incorrect) vs. 'There are many inconsistencies' or 'There is a lot of inconsistency' (correct).
- Confusing with 'inconvenience' (неудобство).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST synonym for 'inconsistency' in a formal report about data analysis?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is almost always negative, implying fault, error, or unreliability. In neutral contexts (e.g., sports commentary), it simply describes a lack of steady performance.
Yes. As an uncountable noun, it refers to the general quality (e.g., 'There is too much inconsistency'). As a countable noun, it refers to specific instances (e.g., 'We found three inconsistencies in the document').
Inconsistency is broader and more neutral, referring to any lack of agreement or steadiness. Hypocrisy is a specific, morally charged type of inconsistency between one's stated beliefs and one's actual actions.
No, there is no direct verb 'to inconsistency'. The related verb is 'to be inconsistent' or 'to act inconsistently'. The adjective is 'inconsistent'.
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C2 · 48 words · Language for structured academic and political debate.
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