incommensurate

adjective

in·​com·​men·​su·​rate ˌin-kə-ˈmen(t)-s(ə-)rət How to pronounce incommensurate (audio)
-ˈmen(t)-sh(ə-)rət
: not commensurate: such as
c
: disproportionate
a confidence incommensurate with their ability

Examples of incommensurate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web How incommensurate with our small, breakable animal bodies — this awful, awesome notion, the infinite. Sara Holdren, Vulture, 12 Sep. 2023 Despite the complexity of these latter ideas, her use of diagrams and figures helps to reinforce their approachability—although in some cases their incommensurate simplicity feels unsatisfying. Amy Brady, Scientific American, 20 June 2023 The problem, as Leavis understood, is that science and the humanities are inherently incommensurate endeavors. Paula Marantz Cohen, WSJ, 28 July 2017 Open the front door to chef-owner Genet Agonafer’s restaurant, a dining room that seems both a local fixture and oddly incommensurate with the neighborhood. Amy Scattergood, latimes.com, 9 June 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'incommensurate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1650, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of incommensurate was in 1650

Dictionary Entries Near incommensurate

Cite this Entry

“Incommensurate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incommensurate. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

incommensurate

adjective
in·​com·​men·​su·​rate ˌin-kə-ˈmen(t)s-(ə-)rət How to pronounce incommensurate (audio)
-ˈmench-(ə-)rət
: not commensurate: as
a
: inadequate
funds incommensurate with need
b
: disproportionate
a confidence incommensurate with his ability
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