Word
compatibility
Phoneticscom·pat·i·bil·i·ty, stress on the fourth syllable
US/kəmˌpætəˈbɪɫəˌti/
UK/kəmpˌætɪbˈɪlɪti/
Definitions
01interpersonal harmony
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the ability of two people to live or work together happily because they have similar interests or characters.
n. the state of being able to exist or work together in combination without conflict; often refers to psychological or social alignment between individuals.
“After a few months of dating, they realized their compatibility was perfect because they shared the same goals.”
“The HR department uses personality assessments to ensure team compatibility, reducing the likelihood of friction during high-pressure projects.”
Antonyms
02technical systems
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Computing
n. the ability of different pieces of equipment or software to work together correctly.
n. the capability of two or more components or systems to function together without mutual interference or the need for modification.
“Before buying the new software, check its compatibility with your current operating system.”
“The transition to the new cloud infrastructure was delayed due to compatibility issues between the legacy database and the modern API.”
Usage
Often followed by the preposition 'with'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03materials or substances
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Science Technical
n. the ability of two substances to be mixed or used together without causing a bad reaction.
n. the capacity of materials or chemical substances to exist in contact with each other or as a mixture without undergoing an adverse reaction.
“The doctor checked the compatibility of the two medicines to make sure they were safe to take together.”
“Engineers must verify the chemical compatibility of the sealant with the metal alloy to prevent long-term corrosion of the aircraft fuselage.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“Some Laptop 13 Pro parts break compatibility with the older Framework Laptop 13, but Framework did manage to preserve compatibility between many major components.” “Through controlled pollination experiments, the researchers first established the compatibility relationships between the two varieties by analyzing pollen attachment, pollen tube growth and seed development.” Etymology
Borrowed from New Latin compatibilitās. By surface analysis, compatible + -ity.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/compatibility