What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
irregular
Example
The company has an irregular schedule for staff meetings. [irregular: adjective]
Example
The artist's paintings feature irregular shapes and sizes. [irregular: adjective]
inconsistent
Example
The athlete's performance was inconsistent throughout the season. [inconsistent: adjective]
Example
The politician's statements were inconsistent with his previous promises. [inconsistent: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Inconsistent is more commonly used than irregular in everyday language. Inconsistent is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while irregular is less common and refers to specific situations where there is a deviation from a norm or standard.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between irregular and inconsistent?
Both irregular and inconsistent are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.