not uniform in nature, value, etc.; irregular; variable
SYNONYMY NOTE: inconstant implies an inherent tendency to change or a lack of steadfastness [an inconstant lover]; fickle suggests an even greater instability or readiness to change, especially in affection[spurned by a fickle public]; capricious implies an instability or irregularity that seems to be the product of whim or erraticimpulse [a capricious climate]; unstable, in this connection, applies to one who is emotionally unsettled or variable [an unstable person laughs and cries easily]
OPPOSITES: constant, reliable
Derived forms
inconstancy (inˈconstancy)
noun
inconstantly (inˈconstantly)
adverb
Word origin
OFr < L inconstans
Examples of 'inconstant' in a sentence
inconstant
It was this inconstant wind, he remembered, that had frozen Tamara's face and nearly killed her.
Zindell, David THE BROKEN GOD (2001)
Life is too absurd and inconstant and contradictory to stop her from having it all, having it any way she wants.
Alex Shakar THE SAVAGE GIRL (2001)
Synonyms of 'inconstant'
unreliable, variable, uncertain, volatile
More Synonyms of inconstant
(adjective)
Definition
variable
Synonyms
unreliable
variable
Weather conditions are variable and change from day to day.
uncertain
Students all over the country are facing an uncertain future.
volatile
There have been riots before and the situation is volatile.
unsettled
Despite the unsettled weather, we had a marvellous weekend.
unstable
He was emotionally unstable.
inconsistent
You are inconsistent and unpredictable.
erratic
the erratic nature of our recent weather
wavering
uneven
He could hear that her breathing was uneven.
fluctuating
wayward
wayward children with a history of behavioural problems
fickle
They are fickle, faithless and lewd.
temperamental
My computer at work can be temperamental.
mercurial
his mercurial temperament
capricious
capricious mood swings
unsteady
His unsteady relationship with his flatmates incited him to move out.
changeable
He was a man of changeable moods.
The forecast is for changeable weather.
vacillating
He has proved weak, indecisive and vacillating.
blowing hot and cold (informal)
mutable
Time, space and matter are mutable realities.
irresolute
They launched the attack for fear of seeming irresolute.
undependable
changeful
vagarious (rare)
Additional synonyms
in the sense of capricious
Definition
having a tendency to sudden unpredictable changes of attitude or behaviour
capricious mood swings
Synonyms
unpredictable,
variable,
unstable,
inconsistent,
erratic,
quirky,
fickle,
impulsive,
mercurial,
freakish,
fitful,
inconstant,
changeful
in the sense of changeable
Definition
changing often
He was a man of changeable moods.The forecast is for changeable weather.