Inconstant vs. Variable: What's the Difference?

Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on September 27, 2023
Inconstant refers to being changeable or unstable in affections or loyalties, while a variable is a changeable quantity or element in mathematics or science.

Key Differences
The term "inconstant" primarily denotes something or someone characterized by a lack of steadfastness, consistency, or reliability, especially in affections, loyalties, or emotions. It implies a sense of unpredictability and unreliability in personal conduct or circumstances. Conversely, "variable" refers to an element, feature, or factor that is liable to vary or change. It is a term often used in mathematics and science to represent a quantity or an element that can assume different values or states, highlighting its inherent changeable nature.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
The concept of being inconstant generally applies to human behavior or attributes, reflecting an erratic or fluctuating nature in feelings or commitments. For instance, an inconstant person might frequently change their opinions, preferences, or feelings, making them unreliable or untrustworthy. On the other hand, the concept of a variable is predominantly associated with different fields of study, representing elements or quantities that can vary under different conditions or due to different factors, making it a more neutral term related to changeability.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
From a linguistic perspective, inconstant is an adjective describing the quality of being unreliable or changeable, typically used to portray a lack of consistency in personal characteristics or environmental conditions. In contrast, variable serves as a noun or an adjective, representing a changeable entity in scientific experiments or mathematical equations, or describing the nature of variability in different contexts, reflecting its broader applicability in describing changeable aspects in various domains.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
In more everyday language, inconstant can describe anything subject to change without notice or anything unreliable, not just personal attributes or feelings. It can refer to shifting weather conditions, fluctuating market prices, or alternating moods. In parallel, variable, in its adjective form, can describe anything capable of changing, like variable weather conditions, highlighting the adaptability of the term to describe varying conditions or states in multiple contexts.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Comparison Chart
Nature
Adjective describing lack of consistency or reliability.
Noun/Adjective representing or describing changeability.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
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Application
Primarily to human behavior or attributes.
Various fields like mathematics, science, etc.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Implication
Usually negative, implies unreliability.
Neutral, denotes changeability.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Domain
Everyday language, relationships.
Broad, ranging from everyday language to academic.

Harlon Moss
Sep 27, 2023
Inconstant and Variable Definitions
Inconstant
Prone to changes or not staying the same.
The inconstant weather made it hard to plan outdoor activities.

Harlon Moss
Sep 27, 2023
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Variable
Subject to variation or changes.
The variable winds affected the flight schedule.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Inconstant
Lacking stability or uniformity in affections or loyalties.
Her inconstant feelings made the relationship challenging.

Janet White
Sep 27, 2023
Variable
An element or factor that may assume different values.
In the equation, ‘x’ is the variable.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Inconstant
Unpredictable or erratic in behavior or mood.
His inconstant mood swings were hard to keep up with.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
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Inconstant
Not steadfast or reliably committed.
His inconstant commitment to the project led to delays.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Inconstant
Changing or varying, especially often and without discernible pattern or reason.

Sawaira Riaz
Mar 22, 2023
Variable
(Biology) Tending to exhibit genetic variation or variation in a physical trait
Geographically variable color patterns.

Sawaira Riaz
Mar 22, 2023
Inconstant
Not constant; not stable or uniform; subject to change of character, appearance, opinion, inclination, or purpose, etc.; not firm; unsteady; fickle; changeable; variable; - said of persons or things; as, inconstant in love or friendship.
While we, inquiring phantoms of a day,Inconstant as the shadows we survey!

Sawaira Riaz
Mar 22, 2023
Inconstant
Likely to change frequently often without apparent or cogent reason; variable;
Inconstant affections
An inconstant lover
Swear not by...the inconstant moon

Sawaira Riaz
Mar 22, 2023
Variable
A symbol representing such a quantity. For example, in the expression a2 + b2 = c2, a,b, and c are variables.

Sawaira Riaz
Mar 22, 2023
Inconstant
Subject to variations or fluctuations.
The inconstant market trends make investments risky.

Harlon Moss
Sep 27, 2023
Variable
Able to vary or be varied.
Variable winds or seasons; a variable quantity; a variable resistor

Sawaira Riaz
Mar 22, 2023
Variable
Something whose value may be dictated or discovered.
There are several variables to consider here.

Sawaira Riaz
Mar 22, 2023
Variable
(programming) A named memory location in which a program can store intermediate results and from which it can read them.

Sawaira Riaz
Mar 22, 2023
Variable
Those parts of the sea where a steady wind is not expected, especially the parts between the trade-wind belts.

Sawaira Riaz
Mar 22, 2023
Variable
Having the capacity of varying or changing; capable of alternation in any manner; changeable; as, variable winds or seasons; a variable quantity.

Sawaira Riaz
Mar 22, 2023
Variable
Liable to vary; too susceptible of change; mutable; fickle; unsteady; inconstant; as, the affections of men are variable; passions are variable.
Lest that thy love prove likewise variable.
His heart, I know, how variable and vain!

Sawaira Riaz
Mar 22, 2023
Variable
A quantity which may increase or decrease; a quantity which admits of an infinite number of values in the same expression; a variable quantity; as, in the equation x2 - y2 = R2, x and y are variables.

Sawaira Riaz
Mar 22, 2023
Variable
Something that is likely to vary; something that is subject to variation;
The weather is one variable to be considered

Sawaira Riaz
Mar 22, 2023
Variable
A symbol (like x or y) that is used in mathematical or logical expressions to represent a variable quantity

Sawaira Riaz
Mar 22, 2023
Variable
Liable to or capable of change;
Rainfall in the tropics is notoriously variable
Variable winds
Variable expenses

Sawaira Riaz
Mar 22, 2023
Variable
Marked by diversity or difference;
The varying angles of roof slope
Nature is infinitely variable

Sawaira Riaz
Mar 22, 2023
Variable
(used of a device) designed so that a property (as e.g. light) can be varied;
A variable capacitor
Variable filters in front of the mercury xenon lights

Sawaira Riaz
Mar 22, 2023
Variable
Capable of being varied or changed.
Variable settings allow customization of the software.

Harlon Moss
Sep 27, 2023
Variable
A symbol representing an unknown value.
Solve for the variable in the algebraic expression.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Variable
Differing in form, character, or amount.
The variable rainfall impacts agricultural yield.

Sara Rehman
Sep 27, 2023
FAQs
Is inconstant used for temporary changes?
Yes, inconstant can imply temporary or unpredictable changes.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Does inconstant always imply a negative quality?
Often yes, it usually implies unreliability or lack of steadfastness.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Can variable be a permanent characteristic?
No, being variable implies the potential for change.

Harlon Moss
Sep 27, 2023
Can variable describe a person’s behavior?
Yes, it can describe behavior that is subject to change.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Is the term variable always neutral?
Typically yes, it is a neutral term describing the potential for change.

Janet White
Sep 27, 2023
Is variable specific to mathematics and science?
No, variable can be used in everyday language to describe anything subject to change.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Does inconstant apply to human behavior only?
No, it can describe anything subject to unexpected changes.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Can weather be described as inconstant?
Yes, inconstant can describe fluctuating or unreliable weather conditions.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
Are variables always numerical?
No, variables can represent non-numerical elements as well.

Sara Rehman
Sep 27, 2023
Can inconstant imply a lack of commitment?
Yes, it often implies a lack of steadfastness or reliable commitment.

Aimie Carlson
Sep 27, 2023
Can prices be described as inconstant?
Yes, inconstant can describe fluctuating or unreliable prices.

Sara Rehman
Sep 27, 2023
Can a variable represent more than one value?
Yes, a variable can assume different values in different situations.

Janet White
Sep 27, 2023
Can inconstant refer to changing moods?
Yes, it can describe someone with fluctuating or unpredictable moods.

Harlon Moss
Sep 27, 2023
Is inconstant synonymous with inconsistent?
Not exactly, but they both imply a lack of consistency or reliability.

Sawaira Riaz
Sep 27, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.

Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
