1. Not consistent; showing inconsistency; irreconcilable; discordant; at variance, especially. As regards nature, sentiment, or action; incompatible; incongruous; contradictory. "Compositions of
this character . . . Show that wisdom and
virtue are
far from
being inconsistent with politeness and
good humor." (Addison)
2. Not exhibiting
uniformity of sentiment, steadiness to principle, etc.; unequal; fickle; changeable. "Ah, how unjust to character, and himself, Is thoughtless, thankless,
inconsistent man." (Young)
Synonym: Incompatible, incongruous, irreconcilable, discordant, repugnant, contradictory.
Inconsistent, Incongruous, Incompatible. Things are
incongruous when they are not suited to
every another, so that their
union is unbecoming;
inconsistent when they are opposed to
every another, so as render it
improper or incorrect;
incompatible when they can not coexist, and it is therefore
impossible to unite them. Habitual levity of
mind is
incongruous with the profession of a clergyman; it is
inconsistent with
his ordination vows; it is
incompatible with
his permanent usefulness. Incongruity attaches to the modes and qualities of things;
incompatibility attaches to their
essential attributes; inconsistency attaches to the actions, sentiments, etc, of men.
Origin: Pref. In- not + consistent: cf. F. Inconsistant.
Source: Websters Vocabulary