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incompatible
/ˌɪn.kəmˈpæt.ə.bəl/
unable to work together
These two software systems are incompatible.
The systems cannot function properly together.
formal
Not able to exist or work together without conflict or problems.
The new law is incompatible with existing regulations.
The law conflicts with current rules.
Their personalities are incompatible.
They cannot get along due to differing traits.
Commonly used in technical, legal, and personal contexts.
Collocations
incompatible withnot suitable to be combined or used togetherincompatible formatsfile or data structures that cannot be used together
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Common Mistake: 'Incompatible' vs 'Incompatible with'
'Incompatible' is an adjective and must be followed by 'with' when describing what it cannot work with. Incorrect: 'These files are incompatible.' Correct: 'These files are incompatible with each other.'
Gold Rule
Technical Context
In computing, 'incompatible' describes software/hardware that cannot operate together due to differing standards or formats.
Word Origin
From Latin 'incompatiblem', meaning 'not able to be endured' (in- 'not' + compatibilis 'able to be endured', from 'com-' 'together' + 'patibilis' 'able to endure').
Usage Notes
Often used in technical, medical, or relational contexts to describe systems, substances, or people that cannot coexist or function properly together.
Word Breakdown
in-
not
prefixcom-
together
prefixpatibilis
able to be endured
root-able
capable of being
suffixEnglish Dictionary