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inconsistency
/ˌɪn.kənˈsɪs.ən.si/
lack of uniformity
The report was rejected due to inconsistencies in the data.
The report failed because the information provided was not uniform or coherent.
general
a lack of compatibility or similarity between different facts, statements, or actions
There are several inconsistencies between your story and the witness's account.
Your story and the witness's account do not match in several places.
Often used in legal, academic, or professional contexts to describe contradictions or discrepancies.
general
an instance of being inconsistent
The inconsistency in the contract led to confusion among the parties involved.
The contract's contradictory terms caused misunderstandings.
Can refer to a single contradictory element or a pattern of inconsistency.
technical
in statistics, the degree to which a set of observations or measurements lacks uniformity
The high inconsistency in the sample data suggests a need for further investigation.
The sample data shows significant variability, indicating potential issues.
Measured using statistical methods like variance or standard deviation.
Collocations
inconsistency inlack of uniformity inresolve inconsistenciesaddress contradictionsaddress inconsistenciesdeal with discrepancies
Pro Tip
Avoiding redundancy
When using 'inconsistency,' ensure it refers to a genuine contradiction or lack of uniformity. Avoid using it to describe minor variations or stylistic differences.
Gold Rule
Context matters
Use 'inconsistency' when describing contradictions between facts, statements, or actions. For minor differences, consider 'variation' or 'difference'.
Word Origin
Late Middle English: from Latin *inconsistentia*, from *in-* 'not' + *consistent-*, *consistens* 'standing firm' (from *consistere* 'stand firm').
Usage Notes
Commonly used in formal contexts such as law, academia, and professional writing. Avoid using it to describe minor differences; it typically implies significant contradictions or flaws.
Word Breakdown
in-
not
prefixconsist-
standing firm or holding together
root-ency
state or quality of
suffixEnglish Dictionary