First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
incompatible
adjective in·com·pat·i·ble \ˌin-kəm-ˈpa-tə-bəl\
: not able to exist together without trouble or conflict : not going together well
: not able to be used together
Full Definition of INCOMPATIBLE
1
: incapable of being held by one person at one time —used of offices that make conflicting demands on the holder
2
: not compatible: 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
— incompatible noun
— in·com·pat·i·bly \-blē\ adverb
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Origin of INCOMPATIBLE
Middle English, from Medieval Latin incompatibilis, from Latin in- + Medieval Latin compatibilis compatible
Related to INCOMPATIBLE
- Synonyms
- clashing, conflicting, disagreeing, discordant, discrepant, inconsistent, incongruous, inconsonant, inharmonious, mutually exclusive, repugnant
- Antonyms
- accordant, agreeing, compatible, concordant, conformable (to), congruent, congruous, consistent, consonant, correspondent (with or to), harmonious, nonconflicting
Other Government and Politics Terms
Rhymes with INCOMPATIBLE
INCOMPATIBLE Defined for Kids
incompatible
adjective in·com·pat·i·ble \ˌin-kəm-ˈpa-tə-bəl\
Definition of INCOMPATIBLE for Kids
1
: not able to exist together without trouble or conflict <incompatible workers> <incompatible plans>
2
: not able to be used together <This video game is incompatible with that system.>
Medical Dictionary
incompatible
adjective in·com·pat·i·ble \ˌin-kəm-ˈpat-ə-bəl\
Medical Definition of INCOMPATIBLE
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
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