Word
incompatibility
Phoneticsin·com·pat·i·bil·i·ty, stress on the fifth syllable
US/ˌɪnˌkɑmpətɪˈbɪɫɪti/
UK/ɪnkəmpˌætɪbˈɪlɪti/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the state of being unable to work together or exist in the same place. It often describes things like software that won't run on a new computer or people who cannot get along.
n. the state of being unable to exist, work, or function together; a lack of compatibility. Often used in technical contexts to describe software or hardware conflicts, or in social contexts to describe interpersonal friction.
Examples
“The new software caused incompatibility with my old operating system.”
“The doctor warned that the patient's body showed signs of incompatibility with the donated organ.”
“The project failed not because of a lack of resources, but due to the fundamental incompatibility between the two corporate cultures.”
Examples
simple
“The new software caused incompatibility with my old operating system.”
contextual
“The doctor warned that the patient's body showed signs of incompatibility with the donated organ.”
complex
“The project failed not because of a lack of resources, but due to the fundamental incompatibility between the two corporate cultures.”
Real-World Examples
“Since then, many popes have made pronouncements about the incompatibility of Catholic doctrines and Freemasonry.” “Incompatibility between our big aspirations and the reality of life is bound to disappoint unless we learn to be a bit more gloomy, says Alain de Botton.” Etymology
From incompatible + -ity.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/incompatibility