Incompatibility: meaning, definitions and examples

Add to dictionary

incompatibility

 

[ ˌɪnkəmˌpætɪˈbɪləti ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

software development

A situation where two or more components of a system are unable to work together due to differences in design or functionality.

Synonyms

conflict, discrepancy, mismatch.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
incompatibility

This word is often used when two things cannot work well together because their differences are too great. It is commonly used in relationships, software, and systems.

  • The incompatibility between the two software programs caused many issues
  • Their incompatibility became clear after just a few dates
conflict

This word is used when there is a serious disagreement or argument. It can refer to interpersonal relationships, war, or clashing ideas.

  • The conflict between the two countries has been ongoing for years
  • There was a conflict over how to spend the new budget
discrepancy

This word is often used to describe a difference or inconsistency between two or more items that should match. It is usually used in formal or technical contexts.

  • There is a discrepancy in the financial report we need to address
  • The discrepancy between their stories made the police suspicious
mismatch

This word is used when things do not go well together or do not fit as intended. It is often used in everyday language and can describe anything from clothing to ideas.

  • There is a mismatch between the socket and the plug
  • Their individual skills created a mismatch in the team dynamics

Examples of usage

  • The new update caused an incompatibility issue with the existing software.
  • The incompatibility between the operating system and the application led to frequent crashes.
Context #2 | Noun

relationships

A lack of harmony or agreement between people or things.

Synonyms

conflict, disagreement, discord.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
incompatibility

Used when two elements, ideas, or individuals cannot coexist due to fundamental differences.

  • There is an incompatibility between their working styles.
  • The software incompatibility caused the programs to crash.
discord

Often used in situations where there is a lack of harmony or agreement, particularly in musical or social contexts, and carries a more poetic or formal tone.

  • The meeting ended in discord as nobody could agree on the next steps.
  • The discord between the band members led to their breakup.
disagreement

Applies to instances where people have different opinions or views but it is generally less severe than 'conflict'.

  • They had a disagreement over which movie to watch.
  • There is ongoing disagreement about the best approach to the problem.
conflict

Refers to a serious disagreement or argument, often involving active opposition and can be used in various contexts from personal to global disputes.

  • The conflict between the two countries has escalated.
  • There was a conflict about the budget allocation.

Examples of usage

  • Their incompatibility became evident when they could not compromise on important decisions.
  • The incompatibility between their lifestyles eventually led to their breakup.

Translations

Translations of the word "incompatibility" in other languages:

🇵🇹 incompatibilidade

🇮🇳 असंगति

🇩🇪 Unvereinbarkeit

🇮🇩 ketidakcocokan

🇺🇦 несумісність

🇵🇱 niezgodność

🇯🇵 不適合

🇫🇷 incompatibilité

🇪🇸 incompatibilidad

🇹🇷 uyumsuzluk

🇰🇷 비호환성

🇸🇦 عدم التوافق

🇨🇿 nekompatibilita

🇸🇰 nekompatibilita

🇨🇳 不兼容性

🇸🇮 nezdružljivost

🇮🇸 ósamrýmanleiki

🇰🇿 үйлесімсіздік

🇬🇪 შეუთავსებლობა

🇦🇿 uyğunsuzluq

🇲🇽 incompatibilidad

Etymology

The word 'incompatibility' originated from the Latin word 'incompatibilitas', which means 'not capable of existing together'. It is formed by the prefix 'in-' meaning 'not' and 'compatibilis' meaning 'compatible'. The term has been used in various fields such as technology, relationships, and social interactions to describe situations where things or people are not able to coexist or work together effectively.

See also: incompatible.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,172, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.