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.

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.

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.

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.

Sep 27, 2023

Comparison Chart

Nature

Adjective describing lack of consistency or reliability.

Noun/Adjective representing or describing changeability.

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Application

Primarily to human behavior or attributes.

Various fields like mathematics, science, etc.

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Implication

Usually negative, implies unreliability.

Neutral, denotes changeability.

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Linguistic Role

Mainly an adjective.

Can be both a noun and an adjective.

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Domain

Everyday language, relationships.

Broad, ranging from everyday language to academic.

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Inconstant and Variable Definitions

Inconstant

Prone to changes or not staying the same.

The inconstant weather made it hard to plan outdoor activities.

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Variable

Subject to variation or changes.

The variable winds affected the flight schedule.

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Inconstant

Lacking stability or uniformity in affections or loyalties.

Her inconstant feelings made the relationship challenging.

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Variable

An element or factor that may assume different values.

In the equation, ‘x’ is the variable.

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Inconstant

Unpredictable or erratic in behavior or mood.

His inconstant mood swings were hard to keep up with.

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Variable

Likely to change or vary; subject to variation; changeable.

Mar 22, 2023

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Inconstant

Not steadfast or reliably committed.

His inconstant commitment to the project led to delays.

Sep 27, 2023

Variable

Inconstant; fickle.

Mar 22, 2023

Inconstant

Changing or varying, especially often and without discernible pattern or reason.

Mar 22, 2023

Variable

(Biology) Tending to exhibit genetic variation or variation in a physical trait

Geographically variable color patterns.

Mar 22, 2023

Inconstant

Fickle; faithless.

Mar 22, 2023

Variable

(Mathematics) Having no fixed quantitative value.

Mar 22, 2023

Inconstant

Not constant; wavering.

Mar 22, 2023

Variable

Something that varies or is prone to variation.

Mar 22, 2023

Inconstant

Unfaithful to a lover.

Mar 22, 2023

Variable

(Astronomy) A variable star.

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!

Mar 22, 2023

Variable

A quantity capable of assuming any of a set of values.

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

Mar 22, 2023

Variable

A symbol representing such a quantity. For example, in the expression a2 + b2 = c2, a,b, and c are variables.

Mar 22, 2023

Inconstant

Subject to variations or fluctuations.

The inconstant market trends make investments risky.

Sep 27, 2023

Variable

Able to vary or be varied.

Variable winds or seasons; a variable quantity; a variable resistor

Mar 22, 2023

Variable

Likely to vary.

Mar 22, 2023

Variable

Marked by diversity or difference.

Mar 22, 2023

Variable

(mathematics) Having no fixed quantitative value.

Mar 22, 2023

Variable

(biology) Tending to deviate from a normal or recognized type.

Mar 22, 2023

Variable

Something that is variable.

Mar 22, 2023

Variable

Something whose value may be dictated or discovered.

There are several variables to consider here.

Mar 22, 2023

Variable

(mathematics) A symbol representing a variable.

Mar 22, 2023

Variable

(programming) A named memory location in which a program can store intermediate results and from which it can read them.

Mar 22, 2023

Variable

(astronomy) A variable star.

Mar 22, 2023

Variable

(nautical) A shifting wind, or one that varies in force.

Mar 22, 2023

Variable

Those parts of the sea where a steady wind is not expected, especially the parts between the trade-wind belts.

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.

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!

Mar 22, 2023

Variable

That which is variable; that which varies, or is subject to change.

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.

Mar 22, 2023

Variable

A shifting wind, or one that varies in force.

Mar 22, 2023

Variable

Something that is likely to vary; something that is subject to variation;

The weather is one variable to be considered

Mar 22, 2023

Variable

A quantity that can assume any of a set of values

Mar 22, 2023

Variable

A star that varies noticeably in brightness

Mar 22, 2023

Variable

A symbol (like x or y) that is used in mathematical or logical expressions to represent a variable quantity

Mar 22, 2023

Variable

Liable to or capable of change;

Rainfall in the tropics is notoriously variable

Variable winds

Variable expenses

Mar 22, 2023

Variable

Marked by diversity or difference;

The varying angles of roof slope

Nature is infinitely variable

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

Mar 22, 2023

Variable

Capable of being varied or changed.

Variable settings allow customization of the software.

Sep 27, 2023

Variable

A symbol representing an unknown value.

Solve for the variable in the algebraic expression.

Sep 27, 2023

Variable

Differing in form, character, or amount.

The variable rainfall impacts agricultural yield.

Sep 27, 2023

FAQs

Is inconstant used for temporary changes?

Yes, inconstant can imply temporary or unpredictable changes.

Sep 27, 2023

Does inconstant always imply a negative quality?

Often yes, it usually implies unreliability or lack of steadfastness.

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Can variable be a permanent characteristic?

No, being variable implies the potential for change.

Sep 27, 2023

Can variable describe a person’s behavior?

Yes, it can describe behavior that is subject to change.

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Is the term variable always neutral?

Typically yes, it is a neutral term describing the potential for change.

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Is variable specific to mathematics and science?

No, variable can be used in everyday language to describe anything subject to change.

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Does inconstant apply to human behavior only?

No, it can describe anything subject to unexpected changes.

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Can weather be described as inconstant?

Yes, inconstant can describe fluctuating or unreliable weather conditions.

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Are variables always numerical?

No, variables can represent non-numerical elements as well.

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Can inconstant imply a lack of commitment?

Yes, it often implies a lack of steadfastness or reliable commitment.

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Can prices be described as inconstant?

Yes, inconstant can describe fluctuating or unreliable prices.

Sep 27, 2023

Can a variable represent more than one value?

Yes, a variable can assume different values in different situations.

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Can a variable be constant?

No, if it is constant, it is not variable.

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Can inconstant refer to changing moods?

Yes, it can describe someone with fluctuating or unpredictable moods.

Sep 27, 2023

Is inconstant synonymous with inconsistent?

Not exactly, but they both imply a lack of consistency or reliability.

Sep 27, 2023

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About Author

Written by

Sawaira 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 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.