# incompatibility

/ˌɪnˌkɑmpətɪˈbɪɫɪti/ (US) · /ɪnkəmpˌætɪbˈɪlɪti/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/incompatibility
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.