adj.
Pronunciation: -st ə nt
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin inconstant-, inconstans, from in- + constant-, constans constant
Date: 15th century
: likely to change frequently without apparent or cogent reason
– in · con · stant · ly adverb
synonyms INCONSTANT , FICKLE , CAPRICIOUS , MERCURIAL , UNSTABLE mean lacking firmness or steadiness (as in purpose or devotion). INCONSTANT implies an incapacity for steadiness and an inherent tendency to change <an inconstant friend>. FICKLE suggests unreliability because of perverse changeability and incapacity for steadfastness <performers discover how fickle fans can be>. CAPRICIOUS suggests motivation by sudden whim or fancy and stresses unpredictability <an utterly capricious critic>. MERCURIAL implies a rapid changeability in mood <made anxious by her boss's mercurial temperament>. UNSTABLE implies an incapacity for remaining in a fixed position or steady course and applies especially to a lack of emotional balance <too unstable to hold a job>.