Plural of inconsistency; instances of lacking harmony, stability, or agreement with previous statements or actions.
From Latin inconsistens, combining in- ('not') and consistere ('to stand firm, be consistent'). Consistere comes from con- ('together') and sistere ('to cause to stand'). The word literally means 'not standing together firmly'.
The Latin root 'sistere' (to stand) appears in 'consist', 'resist', 'persist', and 'exist' - all about different ways of standing. An inconsistency is literally something that won't 'stand together' with other facts or statements. This is why we say arguments 'don't hold up' or that stories 'fall apart' - it's all about structural stability.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.