inconstant

[ in-kon-stuhnt ]

adjective

1. not constant; changeable; fickle; variable:

   an inconstant friend.

   Synonyms: undependable, volatile, mercurial, mutable, uncertain, unsettled, unstable, vacillating, capricious, moody

   Antonyms: steady

inconstant

/ ɪnˈkɒnstənt /

adjective

1. not constant; variable
2. fickle

Derived Forms

• inˈconstancy, noun
• inˈconstantly, adverb

Other Words From

• in·constan·cy noun
• in·constant·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of inconstant¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin inconstant- (stem of inconstāns ) “changeable.” See in- ³, constant

Synonym Study

See fickle.

Example Sentences

Hermes, a veteran music critic, has written what will surely be the definitive Reed biography for years to come, a complete portrait of this inconstant, erratic genius, the most eloquent voice of the marginalized during the Nixon era.

From Los Angeles Times

“We have been a good offensive team at times this year, but we have been inconstant of late,” Lawson said.

From Washington Post

They told us, implicitly, that women were fickle and inconstant voters, and not to be counted on; and that it was all a mirage, and that what happened this summer in Kansas and Alaska and Michigan and in the New York special election, were all one-offs.

From Slate

To Putin, it was clear that might made right - and a weak and inconstant West would huff and puff, but ultimately back down in the face of a determined will.

From BBC

The length of her reign made her "the one constant in an inconstant world", The New York Times said.

From BBC