incompatible

adjective

in·​com·​pat·​i·​ble ˌin-kəm-ˈpa-tə-bəl How to pronounce incompatible (audio)
1
: not compatible: such as
a
: incapable of association or harmonious coexistence
incompatible colors
b
: unsuitable for use together because of undesirable chemical or physiological effects
incompatible drugs
c
: not both true
incompatible propositions
d
: incapable of blending into a stable homogeneous mixture
2
: incapable of being held by one person at one time
used of offices that make conflicting demands on the holder
incompatible noun
incompatibly adverb

Examples of incompatible in a Sentence

This printer is incompatible with some PCs. the committee's incompatible goals—develop new projects and cut costs—meant that they got very little accomplished
Recent Examples on the Web His ruling added that other sections of the Northern Ireland Troubles Act, including the halting of certain civil actions related to the conflict, were incompatible with both the ECHR and the Windsor Framework. Reuters, NBC News, 28 Feb. 2024 In Congo, the desire for a strong leader and faith in freedom are not incompatible. Mvemba Phezo Dizolele, Foreign Affairs, 19 Jan. 2024 But those sympathies are incompatible with political integrity. Armond White, National Review, 21 Feb. 2024 Mao Zedong and other Chinese Marxists believed that Confucianism was theoretically incompatible with Marxism, which celebrates revolution and perpetual change, and that its practical influence on politics had made China weak. Rana Mitter, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024 From Arkansas’ Cotton, there’s the argument that support for Israel’s efforts to defeat Hamas is incompatible with any civilian assistance for residents of Gaza. Bret Stephens, The Mercury News, 17 Feb. 2024 Trouble is, San Diego airport officials say the project planned for the northeast corner of Kettner Boulevard and West Juniper Street is incompatible with land use regulations adopted 10 years ago to increase safety in neighborhoods under the flight path in the event of a possible plane crash. Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Feb. 2024 That diagnosis must come from two doctors who determine that, regardless of any life-saving treatment, a fetus is incompatible with life outside the womb and will result in death upon birth or shortly thereafter. Margery A. Beck The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 15 Feb. 2024 Some see an unsustainable system Many say preserving the whole system of gravel roads is incompatible with the emerging Loudoun. Jayne Orenstein, Washington Post, 7 Feb. 2024

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

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin incompatibilis, from Latin in- + Medieval Latin compatibilis compatible

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of incompatible was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near incompatible

Cite this Entry

“Incompatible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incompatible. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

incompatible

adjective
in·​com·​pat·​i·​ble ˌin-kəm-ˈpat-ə-bəl How to pronounce incompatible (audio)
1
: not able to be brought together in harmony
their personalities were incompatible
incompatible colors
2
a
: not able to be used together
incompatible computer systems
b
: unsuitable for use together because of undesirable chemical or bodily effects
incompatible blood types
incompatibly adverb

Medical Definition

incompatible

adjective
in·​com·​pat·​i·​ble ˌin-kəm-ˈpat-ə-bəl How to pronounce incompatible (audio)
1
: unsuitable for use together because of chemical interaction or antagonistic physiological effects
incompatible drugs
2
of blood or serum : unsuitable for use in a particular transfusion because of the presence of agglutinins that act against the recipient's red blood cells

More from Merriam-Webster on incompatible

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