1. The quality or state of being inconsistent; discordance in respect to sentiment or action; such contrariety between two things that both can not exist or be true together; disagreement; incompatibility. There is a perfect inconsistency between that which is of debt and that which is of free gift. South.
2. Absurdity in argument ore narration; incoherence or irreconcilability in the parts of a statement, argument, or narration; that which is inconsistent. If a man would register all his opinions upon love, politics, religion, and learning, what a bundle of inconsistencies and contradictions would appear at last! Swift.
3. Want of stability or uniformity; unsteadiness; changeableness; variableness. Mutability of temper, and inconsistency with ourselves, is the greatest weakness of human nature. Addison.
INCONSISTENT In`con*sist"ent, a. Etym: [Pref. in- not + consistent: cf. F. inconsistant.]
1. Not consistent; showing inconsistency; irreconcilable; discordant; at variance, esp. as regards character, sentiment, or action; incompatible; incongruous; contradictory.
Compositions of this nature . . . 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 nature, and himself, Is thoughtless, thankless, inconsistent man. Young.
Syn. — Incompatible; incongruous; irreconcilable; discordant; repugnant; contradictory. — Inconsistent, Incongruous, Incompatible. Things are incongruous when they are not suited to each other, so that their union is unbecoming; inconsistent when they are opposed to each other, so as render it improper or wrong; 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.
INCONSISTENTLY
In`con*sist"ent*ly, adv.
Defn: In an inconsistent manner.