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.
The emotional incompatibility of self-care Applebaum said that even those who can overcome the practical obstacles often still struggle to take care of themselves. — Elissa Strauss, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026 The project was denied due to concerns about the county’s outdated rules, incompatibility with the area and concerns about noise and water usage. — Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026 Connecting people with clinical trials is complicated — even if people identify a promising match, there’s a slew of potentially thorny factors, including geographic incompatibility, and financial and time considerations. — Michelle Andrews, Miami Herald, 20 Aug. 2026 Connecting people with clinical trials is complicated – even if people identify a promising match, there’s a slew of potentially thorny factors, including geographic incompatibility, and financial and time considerations. — Michelle Andrews, USA Today, 15 Aug. 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 4 Sep. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on incompatibility

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for incompatibility

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