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inconstant

adjective
in·​con·​stant | \ (ËŒ)in-ˈkän(t)-stÉ™nt How to pronounce inconstant (audio) \

Definition of inconstant

: likely to change frequently without apparent or cogent reason
Other Words from inconstant Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about inconstant

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Other Words from inconstant

inconstantly adverb

Choose the Right Synonym for inconstant

inconstant, fickle, capricious, mercurial, unstable mean lacking firmness or steadiness (as in purpose or devotion). inconstant implies an incapacity for steadiness and an inherent tendency to change. an inconstant friend fickle suggests unreliability because of perverse changeability and incapacity for steadfastness. performers discover how fickle fans can be capricious suggests motivation by sudden whim or fancy and stresses unpredictability. an utterly capricious critic mercurial implies a rapid changeability in mood. made anxious by her boss's mercurial temperament unstable implies an incapacity for remaining in a fixed position or steady course and applies especially to a lack of emotional balance. too unstable to hold a job

Examples of inconstant in a Sentence

the inconstant nature of the business our windjammer sailed wherever the inconstant winds took us

Recent Examples on the Web

 Seven members of the Labour opposition resigned from the party in protest over leader Jeremy Corbyn’s inconstant dealing on Brexit and tolerance for anti-Semitism. — The Editorial Board, WSJ, "A Labour Revolt Against Corbyn," 18 Feb. 2019 Migraine auras and pounding headaches are inconstant partners. — Tony Dajer, Discover Magazine, "Vertigo, Panic and Trouble Breathing: What's Going On Here?," 19 Oct. 2018 Primary sclerosing cholangitis, on the other hand, is an inconstant thing. — New York Times, "What Do I Owe My Sociopathic Sibling?," 2 July 2018 But the about-face on Syria was about more than the indiscipline of a reliably inconstant presidency. — W.j. Hennigan, Time, "Can the U.S. Deter War Crimes Without Going to War with Syria?," 12 Apr. 2018 While the rhetoric makes sense, Trump's decision to decertify Iran's compliance with the nuclear deal, coupled with his inconstant support for Iraq's Kurds, have pushed things closer toward an endgame. — Ian Bremmer, Time, "President Trump Sits on the Sidelines as Iraq Rolls Over the Kurds," 19 Oct. 2017 Some things must abide, beyond the power of equivocators, thugs, and misbegotten presidents, beyond the influence of inconstant political drama. — Charles P. Pierce, Esquire, "This Is the Bleakest Moment for America in My Lifetime," 13 Aug. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'inconstant.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of inconstant

15th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for inconstant

Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin inconstant-, inconstans, from in- + constant-, constans constant

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More Definitions for inconstant

inconstant

adjective
How to pronounce inconstant (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of inconstant

literary : likely to change in feelings
formal : changing often

See the full definition for inconstant in the English Language Learners Dictionary

inconstant

adjective
in·​con·​stant | \ ˈin-ˈkän(t)-stÉ™nt How to pronounce inconstant (audio) \

Medical Definition of inconstant

: not always present an inconstant muscle

More from Merriam-Webster on inconstant

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for inconstant

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