incompatibility

noun

in·​com·​pat·​i·​bil·​i·​ty ˌin-kəm-ˌpa-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce incompatibility (audio)
plural incompatibilities
Synonyms of incompatibilitynext
1
a
: the quality or state of being incompatible
b
: lack of interfertility between two plants
2
incompatibilities plural : mutually antagonistic things or qualities

Examples of incompatibility in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This incompatibility leads workers to hide efficiencies gained from AI, fearing more tasks. — Nirit Cohen, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 Reasons for declining intimacy When a couple experiences an intimacy dry spell, medical professionals recommend evaluating physiological factors rather than jumping to conclusions about incompatibility. — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 2026 As such neither, as per Article 16 of the FIGC’s Sports Agents rules on incompatibility and conflict of interest, would have had to leave their roles in the event Pirlo senior secured the Italy job. — James Horncastle, New York Times, 28 July 2026 This can lead to birds choosing a new mate out of necessity more than incompatibility with the previous partner. — Andrew Coletti, Popular Science, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for incompatibility

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of incompatibility was in 1611

Rhymes for incompatibility

See All Rhymes for incompatibility

Browse Nearby Words

incompassionate
incompatibility
incompatible
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Incompatibility.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incompatibility. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

incompatibility

noun
in·​com·​pat·​i·​bil·​i·​ty ˌin-kəm-ˌpat-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce incompatibility (audio)
plural incompatibilities
: the quality or state of being incompatible

Medical Definition

incompatibility

noun
in·​com·​pat·​i·​bil·​i·​ty ˌin-kəm-ˌpat-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce incompatibility (audio)
plural incompatibilities
: the quality or state of being incompatible
chemical incompatibility

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