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Definition of incompatibility

incompatibility

/ˌɪn.kəmˌpæt.əˈbɪl.ə.ti/
in · com · pat · i · bil · i · ty
Adverb:incompatibly
•
Plural:incompatibilities
•
Adjective:incompatible
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incompatibility Lexical Profile

incompatibility Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The condition or quality of two or more things, ideas, or people being so different in nature as to be incapable of coexisting harmoniously or functioning together.

Example

"The couple cited irreconcilable incompatibility as the primary reason for their divorce."

2

The failure of computer hardware, software, or biological tissues and blood types to work together without conflict, error, or rejection.

Example

"The software update caused a system crash due to an incompatibility with the older operating system."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for incompatibility

• Nearby Words

incommunicative
incomparable
incomparably
incompatibility
incompatible
incompatibly
incompetence

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 17th century from French 'incompatibilité', derived from Medieval Latin 'incompatibilis' (literally 'unable to suffer or exist together'), from 'in-' (not) + 'compatibilis' (sympathetic, agreeable).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Incompatibility. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/incompatibility
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