incommensurable

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'incommensurable' is correct and usable in written English.
It means incapable of being measured or compared because of a lack of common standards or units of measurement. Example: The cultural differences between the two countries were so vast that their worldviews were incommensurable.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Value incommensurability is worrying: if values are incommensurable, then either we are forced into an ad hoc ranking, or we cannot rank the values at all.

SEP

When this occurs, there is incommensurability; or as Feyerabend later characterized his view: "a theory is incommensurable with another if its ontological consequences are incompatible with the ontological consequences of the latter" (1981a, xi).

SEP

Because the idea of comparison is closely tied to the topic of value incommensurability, this has led to use of the term "incomparable" alongside "incommensurable" in the literature.

SEP

Even if a conception of justified choice can accommodate value incommensurability, questions remain about how to justify choice on the basis of incommensurable values and how to reason about incommensurable values.

SEP

Which reminds us of something we have been wondering for a while:  are generous welfare states and high levels of immigration fundamentally incommensurable?There is a decent bit of research indicating that they may be.

The Economist

(See the entry on incommensurable values).

SEP

For Carnap, different linguistic frameworks are incommensurable.

SEP

This may be due to each outcome being equally well supported by reason, or by the outcomes being supported by different, incommensurable, values.

SEP

In general, postmodern postcolonialists aim to show that the typical universal history is one discourse among many incommensurable discourses, none of which are without inconsistencies.

SEP

In the second case, theorists can draw on a wider range of values, but will have to show that the incommensurable components of human well-being reinforce each other causally or at least do not clash.

SEP

Let us first consider situations that involve choosing between incommensurable alternatives.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "incommensurable" when you want to emphasize that two things cannot be compared using a single, shared standard. For instance, you might say that the value of freedom and the value of security are "incommensurable".

Common error

Avoid using "incommensurable" as a synonym for simply "different" or "difficult to compare". The term implies a fundamental lack of a shared metric, not just a challenge in comparison.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "incommensurable" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns, describing them as lacking a common standard of measurement or comparison. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, and examples show its application in academic and philosophical contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

News & Media

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "incommensurable" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjective that describes things lacking a common standard of measurement. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It appears most often in scientific, philosophical, and academic discussions, emphasizing the fundamental inability to compare certain values or concepts. To use it effectively, remember that it signifies more than just difficulty in comparison; it highlights the absence of a shared metric. Alternatives include "non comparable" or "distinct", but these may not fully capture the nuances of "incommensurable". Be aware of its formal and scientific register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

non-comparable

Synonymous, focuses on the inability to compare.

not comparable

Focuses on the lack of comparability between two things, rather than the lack of a common measure.

unequal

Highlights the difference in magnitude or quality, without necessarily implying a lack of common measure.

disproportionate

Emphasizes the lack of proportion or balance between two things.

unrelated

Suggests a lack of connection or relevance, rather than a lack of measurability.

dissimilar

Highlights the differences in characteristics or qualities.

divergent

Implies a deviation or separation from a common point or standard.

irreconcilable

Focuses on the inability to bring two things into agreement or harmony.

non-equivalent

Highlights the lack of equivalence or sameness.

distinct

Emphasizes the clear and noticeable differences between two things.

FAQs

How can I use "incommensurable" in a sentence?

You can use "incommensurable" to describe values or concepts that cannot be measured or compared using the same standard. For example: "The aesthetic values of painting and music are often considered "incommensurable"".

What are some alternatives to using the word "incommensurable"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "non comparable", "unrelated", or "distinct". However, these words might not fully capture the specific meaning of "incommensurable", which implies a lack of a common standard of measurement.

Is it correct to say something is "incommensurable" if it's just very difficult to compare?

Not exactly. While difficulty in comparison might suggest "incommensurability", the term specifically implies that there's no shared standard or metric for comparison. Something can be difficult to compare without being fundamentally "incommensurable".

What's the difference between "incomparable" and "incommensurable"?

"Incomparable" generally means that something is so unique or outstanding that it's difficult to find an equal. "Incommensurable" means that two things cannot be measured or compared using the same standard. While related, they emphasize different aspects of the difficulty in comparison.