1. lack of consistency or appropriateness, as in inappropriate affect or as when one’s subjective evaluation of a situation is at odds with reality.

2. as defined by Carl Rogers, a lack of alignment between the real self and the ideal self. See real–ideal self congruence.

3. in Rogerian client-centered therapy, a lack of genuineness, honesty, or open expression on the part of the therapist in his or her interactions with a client. —incongruent adj.