inconstant

Everyday

1. (literary) Changing often; not loyal or faithful: an inconstant friend. tree →
2. Not steady; changing in amount or strength: an inconstant wind. tree →

In the lessons

Mostly found in old stories, poems and formal writing: the «inconstant moon» changes shape every night; an inconstant lover keeps changing whom they love. In everyday talk people say «changeable» or «unreliable». Phrases: an inconstant friend, inconstant weather.

Examples

• The inconstant wind kept changing direction. tree →
• In the poem, the moon is called inconstant because it changes shape. tree →
• He was an inconstant friend who forgot us when someone new came along. tree →
• Spring weather in Ireland is inconstant: sun, then rain. tree →
• The candle's inconstant flame flickered. tree →
• The old song warned of an inconstant heart. tree →

Note

Opposite: «constant». Do not confuse with «inconsistent», which is the everyday word for not staying the same or not agreeing. «Inconstant» is old-fashioned and literary.