least consistent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "least consistent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that shows the lowest level of consistency compared to other items or subjects being discussed. Example: "Among all the candidates, her performance was the least consistent, fluctuating greatly from one interview to the next."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

So Straw is at least consistent.

The Guardian

Venetian justice, if brutal, was at least consistent.

The New York Times - Books

But, researchers said, previous studies are at least consistent with the new discovery.

The New York Times

If the Blue Jays' inside pitches were not suspicious, they were at least consistent.

The New York Times - Sports

Say what you will about Blair, but he is at least consistent.

The Guardian - Opinion

• To the Editor: John R. Bolton's assault on the Obama administration's pursuit of arms control is at least consistent.

The New York Times

The social spread of the group is at least consistent with the sweeping nature of the charge.

The Guardian - Opinion

"But I wish they could find a way to make the price of gas O.K., or at least consistent".

The New York Times

But turnovers are one of the least consistent statistics in football.

The New York Times - Sports

Farm subsidies are at least consistent with modern Republican ideas on wealth concentration.

The New York Times

Last but not least, consistent pressure on China to open its society can only bring benefits.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "least consistent" with specific examples or data points to strengthen your analysis and provide concrete evidence for your claims.

Common error

Avoid using "least consistent" when expressing a subjective opinion or preference. This phrase is best suited for objective analysis based on measurable data or observations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "least consistent" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun, indicating the lowest degree of uniformity or regularity compared to other items. Ludwig AI shows examples in science and news that further demonstrates the adjectival function of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "least consistent" is a versatile adjectival phrase used to describe the item or data point that exhibits the greatest variability or irregularity. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently appears in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. It serves to objectively highlight deviations from a norm or expectation. While the phrase is appropriate for formal contexts, it's important to use it when referencing objective analysis rather than personal opinions. Alternatives such as "most erratic" or "most variable" offer nuanced ways to express similar meanings. Overall, understanding the best practices and common errors helps you use "least consistent" effectively in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

least reliable

This alternative directly addresses the lack of dependability and trustworthiness.

least predictable

Focuses on the inability to anticipate future outcomes or behaviors.

most variable

This alternative emphasizes the tendency to change or fluctuate, highlighting the lack of stability.

most unpredictable

This alternative highlights the inability to foresee or anticipate outcomes, emphasizing the element of surprise.

most irregular

This alternative stresses the deviation from established patterns or norms, highlighting the lack of conformity.

most erratic

This alternative focuses on unpredictability and deviation from a norm, implying a higher degree of irregularity.

least uniform

This alternative underscores the absence of sameness or evenness, suggesting disparities and variations.

most unstable

This alternative suggests a lack of steadiness or reliability, implying potential for collapse or failure.

most spotty

Suggests inconsistent appearance or performance, characterized by intermittent occurrences.

most haphazard

Emphasizes the lack of planning or organization, suggesting randomness and disarray.

FAQs

How can I use "least consistent" in a sentence?

You can use "least consistent" to describe data, performance, or behavior that varies significantly. For example, "Among the data sets, this one showed the "least consistent" results".

What are some alternatives to "least consistent"?

Alternatives include "most erratic", "most variable", or "least reliable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more accurate to say "least consistent" or "most inconsistent"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct. "Least consistent" emphasizes a lack of uniformity, while "most inconsistent" highlights contradictions or discrepancies. The best choice depends on the context, but both are frequently interchangeable.

In data analysis, when is it appropriate to highlight the "least consistent" data?

Highlighting the "least consistent" data is appropriate when you want to identify outliers, understand sources of variation, or assess the reliability of a particular measurement or process. It helps in understanding where deviations occur, enabling more informed decision-making.