consistency

noun

con·​sis·​ten·​cy kən-ˈsi-stən(t)-sē How to pronounce consistency (audio)
plural consistencies
1
a
: agreement or harmony of parts or features to one another or a whole : correspondence
The furnishings and decorations in all the rooms reflect a consistency of style.
specifically : ability to be asserted together without contradiction
b
: harmony of conduct or practice with profession
followed her own advice with consistency
2
: degree of firmness, density, viscosity, or resistance to movement or separation of constituent particles
Boil the juice to the consistency of a thick syrup.
3
a
: firmness of constitution or character : persistency
… the rigid consistency with which he had adhered to its principles …Nathaniel Hawthorne
b
archaic : condition of adhering together : firmness of material substance

Examples of consistency in a Sentence

His statements on this subject have lacked consistency. Customers expect consistency in the quality of service they receive. Practice will ensure greater consistency of performance. The paints vary in consistency.
Recent Examples on the Web Unlike the original Magic Cream formula, the Magic Water Cream has a gel-cream consistency. Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 9 Mar. 2024 Their combined consistency is at once smooth and gently textured, and the taste leans slightly toward sweetness, though slivers of pickled onion strewn over the top bend the overall flavors back toward savory. Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2024 One constant in reviews of the restaurant is, well, its consistency. Timothy Charles Davis, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2024 But long runs in the NCAA Tournament require more offensive consistency. Bryce Miller, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2024 Hamilton High School band director Jon Waite said in an email the band was selected by Destination Events, which has local representatives around the country that recommend schools to participate based on local and regional reputation and consistency in excellence in performances. Alec Johnson, Journal Sentinel, 6 Mar. 2024 In turbulent times, consistency becomes your most valuable asset. Marco Costa, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 For the Jayhawks, the game against Baylor provided a glimpse into the level of effort and consistency KU needs to reach its postseason aspirations. Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 2 Mar. 2024 By focusing on education, safety protocols and customer service quality, these training sessions play a crucial role in maintaining brand consistency. Gigi Schweikert, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'consistency.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

consist(ence) + -ency

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 3b

Time Traveler
The first known use of consistency was in 1594

Dictionary Entries Near consistency

Cite this Entry

“Consistency.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consistency. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

consistency

noun
con·​sis·​ten·​cy kən-ˈsis-tən-sē How to pronounce consistency (audio)
plural consistencies
1
: the degree of thickness, firmness, or stickiness
dough of the right consistency
2
: agreement or harmony between parts or elements
3
: a sticking with one way of thinking or acting

More from Merriam-Webster on consistency

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