incompatibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "incompatibility" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a lack of compatibility between two or more things, people, or ideas. For example, "The incompatibility of their political views led to the end of their relationship."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What it forbids is not the construction of many, perhaps mutually incompatible, frameworks, but combining them in the fashion characteristic of the incompatibility paradoxes discussed above in subsection 10.3.

SEP

Popes before him have also said that– with certain provisos – there is no incompatibility between evolution and God as divine creator.

The Guardian

James' response to the scene's omission – that "first and foremost a romantic love story" – further elucidates the supposed incompatibility between love and blood: Hollywood decrees that you have your love over here, and your blood over there, and never the twain shall mix.

The Guardian - Opinion

The presence of Audi, General Motors and Hyundai in both Apple's and Google's alliances points to wariness on their part to being locked in to any one platform in case it leads to incompatibility which could lose a sale if a customer doesn't have the right device to connect to the car.

The Guardian - Tech

And when a declaration of incompatibility is issued, Parliament can be by-passed.

The Economist

Although judges will not have the right to strike down legislation, they will be able to make a "declaration of incompatibility" when British laws conflict with the European Convention.

The Economist

America's lack of enthusiasm for texting is due to a number of factors, including incompatibility among different networks, whereas in Europe regulators have insisted on a single common standard.

The Economist

Pay and politics Something rotten Where freedom is still at stake Reprints Related items A bold Muslim voice: From harsh terrainAug 6th 2009 Egypt and global Islam: The battle for a religion's heartAug 6th 2009The deadly effects of heresy charges are only part of the broader problem of fundamentalist Islam's incompatibility with human rights.

The Economist

In the 16 years since the HRA came into force, domestic courts have made 28 "declarations of incompatibility", holding that British laws conflict with the European convention.

The Economist

Both our intermediaries and customers were arrested shortly after opening for business, despite an explicit reasoned opinion by the European Commission warning of the incompatibility of the Greek restrictions with EU law.

The Economist

And if Shas keeps up its verbal barrage against the legal system, Mr Barak may find himself trapped in the same crisis of incompatibility that eventually brought Mr Netanyahu down.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing technical matters, specify the components or systems exhibiting "incompatibility" to provide clarity and context. Instead of saying "There is an incompatibility", specify "There is an "incompatibility" between the software and the operating system".

Common error

Avoid using "incompatibility" without sufficient context. Clearly define what is incompatible with what to prevent ambiguity. Saying "The systems show "incompatibility"" lacks the needed precision.

Linguistic Context

The word "incompatibility" functions primarily as a noun, denoting the state or quality of being incompatible. It describes a lack of harmonious coexistence or functional integration, as Ludwig AI confirms with numerous examples across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "incompatibility" is a common noun used to describe the state of being unable to coexist or function harmoniously. Ludwig AI identifies its correct and frequent usage across diverse contexts, including science, news, and business. Analysis reveals a neutral formality, fitting for various registers. Related phrases offer nuanced alternatives, while writing guidance emphasizes clarity and precision. The source quality is high, and the term's definition is well-supported by numerous real-world examples. Given its versatile applicability and clear meaning, understanding the nuances of "incompatibility" is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mutual exclusiveness

Highlights the condition where two or more things cannot coexist or be true at the same time, stressing their irreconcilable nature.

irreconcilable differences

Emphasizes that disagreements are too fundamental to resolve, often used in interpersonal or political contexts.

clash of principles

Pinpoints a direct conflict between fundamental beliefs or values, indicating a significant source of disagreement.

conflict of interest

Points to a situation where personal interests could compromise impartial judgment or actions, highlighting a specific type of "incompatibility".

state of incongruity

Emphasizes the quality of not being in agreement or harmony, often implying an element of surprise or unexpectedness.

source of friction

Indicates something that causes tension or conflict, often implying ongoing or repeated difficulties.

lack of harmony

Focuses on the absence of a pleasing or consistent arrangement, highlighting a gentler form of discord than "incompatibility".

lack of alignment

Focuses on the absence of proper coordination or agreement, suggesting a need for adjustment or synchronization.

point of contention

Identifies a specific issue or area of disagreement, highlighting the source of conflict.

disagreement

Suggests a simple lack of consensus or accord, a milder form of "incompatibility" without necessarily implying conflict.

FAQs

How to use "incompatibility" in a sentence?

"Incompatibility" is used to describe a state where two or more things are unable to coexist or function together harmoniously. For example, "The "incompatibility" between the two software programs caused frequent crashes".

What can I say instead of "incompatibility"?

You can use alternatives like "lack of harmony", "incongruity", or "mutual exclusiveness" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "incompatibility" or "incompatibleness"?

"Incompatibility" is the standard and more commonly used noun form. "Incompatibleness" is a less frequent alternative. Both are grammatically correct, but "incompatibility" is preferred.

What's the difference between "incompatibility" and "disagreement"?

"Incompatibility" implies a fundamental inability to function together or coexist, while "disagreement" simply means a difference of opinion or a lack of consensus. "Incompatibility" is stronger and suggests a more significant problem.