consistently

American  

[kuhn-sis-tuhnt-lee] / kənˈsɪs tənt li /

adverb

1. with no or very few exceptions; typically; usually.

   We hope the new system will lead to teachers and administrators who are consistently well-prepared and well-supported, and who will continue to grow throughout their careers.

2. regularly or frequently.

   The museum consistently ranks as one of the top 10 children's museums in the country.

   As a premier chamber music ensemble, they consistently perform to sold-out houses around the world.

3. in a way that adheres to the same principles, course, form, etc..

   Similarly situated employees must be treated consistently under all company policies.

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Other Word Forms

• quasi-consistently adverb

Etymology

Origin of consistently

consistent ( def. ) + -ly

Explanation

The adverb consistently describes something that's done the same way for a long time. If your mom consistently forgets to add sugar when she's baking cookies, it means you can count on inedible cookies. When something happens again and again, it happens consistently. In fact, the Latin root is consistentem, meaning "standing still." Consistently is most often used to describe something you can depend on, like consistently getting hungry right before lunch, or your dog consistently appearing by your side to cheer you up whenever you're feeling sad.

Example Sentences

While scientific data is critical, it is social and cultural systems that have consistently enabled societies to adapt and succeed.

From Science Daily • Apr. 19, 2026

"If anyone thought Hampton was just good at the Euros - she has been consistently brilliant ever since," former England goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis told BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

The latter means they don’t consistently have enough pricing power to keep margins stable and are therefore vulnerable to earnings disappointments.

From Barron's • Apr. 17, 2026

“My wife has been consistently disrespected by my family, no matter how hard we’ve tried to come together as one,” Peltz Beckham wrote.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

Though the Respectables had steady work, their wages were consistently low, as they found themselves shut out of higher-paying factory jobs in Chicago’s fast-growing industrial base.

From "A Few Red Drops: The Chicago Race Riot of 1919" by Claire Hartfield

Related Words

• always
• constantly
• frequently
• normally
• persistently
• regularly
• routinely
• steadily
• typically