# inconsistently

**Pronunciation:** /ˌɪnkənˈsɪstəntli/ · in-kun-SIS-tent-lee

**CEFR level:** C1

**Part of speech:** adverb

## Meaning

In a way that does not stay the same or follow the same principles, rules, or standards.

## Examples

- His performance was inconsistent, with brilliant moments followed by poor ones.
- The company's policies are applied inconsistently across different departments.
- She spoke inconsistently about her future plans, changing her mind frequently.

## Synonyms

- erratically — Suggests a lack of pattern or predictability.
- unevenly — Highlights a lack of uniformity or balance.
- variably — Emphasizes the tendency to change or differ.
- unsteadily — Implies a lack of firmness or stability.

## Antonyms

- consistently — Always in the same way or manner; on every occasion.
- steadily — In a regular and even manner.
- uniformly — In exactly the same way over time and from place to place.

## Common patterns

- inconsistently applied — Applied in different ways at different times or to different people. — The new policy was inconsistently applied across the organization.
- inconsistently performed — Carried out with varying levels of success or quality. — The actor's portrayal of the character was inconsistently performed.
- inconsistently used — Employed in different ways or with different frequency. — The term 'sustainability' is inconsistently used in marketing materials.

## Collocations

- applied inconsistently — The rules were applied inconsistently, leading to confusion.
- performed inconsistently — The team performed inconsistently throughout the season.
- behaved inconsistently — He behaved inconsistently, sometimes friendly and other times distant.

Canonical URL: https://anaversity.com/dictionary/english/inconsistently

[Browse the English learner dictionary](https://anaversity.com/dictionary/english)