inconsistency

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "inconsistency" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a lack of agreement or compatibility between two or more things. For example, you might say "I noticed an inconsistency between the two reports, which made me question their accuracy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some players would struggle with that kind of inconsistency but Kvitova has clearly come to terms with it.

The Guardian - Sport

Last week's report by HM Inspector of Constabulary (HMIC), the police inspectorate, on the inconsistency of approach to rape allegations across different regional police forces, the recent drop in the number of prosecutions for rape and domestic violence, and the fact that there has not been a single prosecution for female genital mutilation (FGM) only add to the concern.

The Guardian - Opinion

They were firmly back where they started out before his employment: mired in mid-table inconsistency and in acute danger of getting knocked out in the Champions League group stage for the first time in nine years.

The Guardian - Sport

In an interview with the Press Association he revealed that he had found inconsistency in how authorities approach the issue around the country and described the number of convictions for slavery offences as "nowhere near good enough".

The Guardian

Related: The Giro will be the defining race of Richie Porte's career | Alex Hinds Perhaps the real issue is not the application of the rules in this case but the inconsistency of the application of those rules.

The Guardian - Sport

Piling inconsistency upon inconsistency, the Treasury is happy to give Lloyds, the other partly state-owned big bank, the authority to award 200% bonuses.

The Guardian - Business

The team has struggled with inconsistency in selection, and Alastair Cook was stood down as captain following an unsuccessful tour of Sri Lanka before Christmas, at a time when it seemed certain he would lead England into the World Cup.

The Guardian - Sport

She struck seven aces and eight double faults, but still Ivanovic could not capitalise on her inconsistency with ball in hand, winning just two of 10 break points.

The Guardian - Sport

As wheezy mornings steadily degraded my attendance, I remained oblivious of the link to my undesired inconsistency.

The Guardian

"There is inconsistency across the UK in a number of areas.

The Guardian

But there is an even deeper inconsistency between those ideals and the subjection of every other society on earth to mass surveillance.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "inconsistency", be specific about what elements are inconsistent and the impact of this discrepancy. Provide clear examples or data to support your claim.

Common error

Avoid using "inconsistency" as a vague criticism. Instead of simply stating there is an "inconsistency", pinpoint the exact nature of the contradiction and its consequences.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "inconsistency" is as a noun. It typically refers to a state or quality of not being consistent. Ludwig examples showcase its usage in various contexts, such as identifying discrepancies in reports or policies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Formal & Business

28%

Science

25%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "inconsistency" functions as a noun denoting a lack of agreement or uniformity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Predominantly found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts, "inconsistency" serves to highlight discrepancies or contradictions that warrant attention. To enhance clarity in writing, specify the inconsistent elements and their implications, avoiding vague generalizations. Alternatives include "discrepancy", "contradiction", and "variance", each carrying subtle nuances. Use "inconsistency" to pinpoint areas needing resolution across diverse professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contradiction

This phrase emphasizes a direct opposition between two statements or beliefs.

discrepancy

This term highlights a difference or contradiction between facts or claims.

disparity

This term emphasizes an inequality or difference, often unfair.

incongruity

This term points to a mismatch or lack of harmony.

lack of uniformity

This alternative focuses on the absence of a consistent standard or form.

divergence

This focuses on the act of moving in different directions or differing opinions.

lack of agreement

This highlights a situation where elements do not align or correspond.

variance

This alternative denotes a degree of difference or deviation.

dissimilarity

This denotes a state of not being similar.

nonconformity

This highlights a failure to adhere to a set standard or expectation.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "inconsistency" in a sentence?

To use "inconsistency" effectively, clearly identify the elements that are inconsistent and explain the implications. For example: "The "inconsistency between" the reported data and the actual findings raised concerns about the study's validity".

What are some alternatives to using the word "inconsistency"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "discrepancy", "contradiction", or "variance". Each of these words carries a slightly different nuance.

Is there a difference between "inconsistency" and "incompatibility"?

"Inconsistency" refers to a lack of agreement or logical coherence, while "incompatibility" suggests an inability to coexist or function together. They are similar but not always interchangeable. You can replace "inconsistency" with "incompatibility" only if the context refers to impossibility of cohexistence between two things.

What does it mean when something is described as an "inconsistency"?

Describing something as an "inconsistency" means there is a lack of uniformity or logical coherence within it, often implying a flaw or error that needs to be addressed.