adjective
Uncommon
incompatible
ihng-kuhm-PA-tih-buhl
Incompatible (adjective) means Unable to exist, work, or coexist together due to fundamental differences. Example: “The new software is incompatible with older versions of the operating system.”
adjective
1
Unable to exist, work, or coexist together due to fundamental differences.
""You did not visit High Barn?" "Oh no." "But there was no particular reason why you should not?" "Why do you ask me that?" she demanded quickly, and in a tone that was quite incompatible with the simple inquiry."
— Ernest Bramah, Max Carrados (1914)
"The new software is incompatible with older versions of the operating system."
"Their personalities turned out to be completely incompatible."
"After the story was published, Hunter stated that the temple's executive committee informed him that such statements were incompatible with being a rabbi."
— Jeremy Pelzer, Green Party presidential hopeful says he was fired as rabbi because of Israel criticism (2019)
"My phone is incompatible with the latest version of this app."
How to use incompatible
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDoesn't fit or work together with something else.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
incompatible with
mutually incompatible
incompatible software
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Word forms
- Plural
- incompatibles
- Comparative
- more incompatible
- Superlative
- most incompatible
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The new software is _____ with older versions of the operating system.
Etymology
Borrowed from French incompatible, from in- ("not") + compatible.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for incompatible
See all rhymes for incompatible →Frequently asked questions
What does “incompatible” mean?
The word “incompatible” means unable to exist, work, or coexist together due to fundamental differences. In plain terms, doesn't fit or work together with something else.
How do you pronounce “incompatible”?
“Incompatible” is pronounced ihng-kuhm-PA-tih-buhl (/ˌɪŋkəmˈpætɪbəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “incompatible” in a sentence?
Here is “incompatible” used in a sentence: “The new software is incompatible with older versions of the operating system.”
What is the opposite of “incompatible”?
The opposite of “incompatible” — its antonyms — is compatible.
What part of speech is “incompatible”?
“Incompatible” is an adjective.
Where does the word “incompatible” come from?
The word “incompatible” comes from French. Borrowed from French incompatible, from in- ("not") + compatible.
Is “incompatible” a common word?
“Incompatible” is an uncommon word in modern English.
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