adjective

mutually exclusive

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Mutually exclusive (adjective) means Unable to be true, chosen or to happen at the same time, so that accepting one rules out the other. Example: “Growth and sustainability are not mutually exclusive.”

adjective

Unable to be true, chosen or to happen at the same time, so that accepting one rules out the other.

"Growth and sustainability are not mutually exclusive."

"The two job offers were mutually exclusive, so she had to decide."

In probability and statistics, describing events that cannot both occur in a single trial.

"Rolling a two and rolling a five on one die are mutually exclusive events."

How to Use Mutually exclusive

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishIf one is true, the other cannot be.

When to use it

Neutral in general use; a precise technical term in probability.

Memory tip

It is usually used with 'not', to argue that a supposed either-or choice is really a both.

Easily confused with

independent → exhaustive → incompatible →

Common pairings

not mutually exclusive mutually exclusive events mutually exclusive options mutually exclusive categories

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

Growth and sustainability are not _____.

Rhymes for mutually exclusive

five give dive live olive drive alive strive derive active arrive native

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between mutually exclusive and independent events?

Mutually exclusive events cannot both happen, so if one occurs the probability of the other is zero. Independent events can both happen, and one occurring tells you nothing about the other. Confusingly, mutually exclusive events with real probability are therefore never independent.

What does 'not mutually exclusive' mean?

It means the two things can coexist, and choosing one does not rule out the other. People often say it to push back on a false choice, as in 'affordable and well made are not mutually exclusive'.

What does MECE mean?

MECE stands for mutually exclusive, collectively exhaustive, a rule used in consulting and analysis. The categories in a good breakdown should not overlap, and together they should cover everything.