utterly incompatible

USAGE SUMMARY

"utterly incompatible" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe two or more things that cannot go together, or two or more people who do not get along well. For example: "Her completely opposite opinions on the matter make them utterly incompatible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Science and faith are thus utterly incompatible.

The New York Times

Some parts of this document are utterly incompatible with such values.

Princeton University

This is a man for whom working and sitting are two utterly incompatible ideas.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

America and the Soviet Union talked constantly during the cold war, even though their global ambitions were utterly incompatible.

The Economist

In more temperate letters, where he acknowledged her "amiable and complying" qualities, he simply and more acceptably asserted that their temperaments were utterly incompatible.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Such an outcome would engender constant instability and violence and, as such, would be utterly incompatible with U.S. interests and values.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

In this area, there is a lack of compatibility within the Member States, and practical cross-border cooperation is made utterly impossible by the completely incompatible technical standards involved.

EU Parlament

Valuing respect is kin to esteem, admiration, veneration, reverence, and honor, while regarding something as utterly worthless or insignificant or disdaining or having contempt for it is incompatible with respecting it.

SEP

Becoming utterly impoverished, so that one must beg or subject oneself to the will of another to survive, is also incompatible with equal freedom for all; so the state must establish some public policies to keep the poor from falling into a state of utter dependence on others.

SEP

Utterly key.

Cornell University

You two are incompatible.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utterly incompatible" to emphasize a complete and irreconcilable lack of harmony or agreement. For example, "Their political views were utterly incompatible."

Common error

While grammatically correct, "utterly incompatible" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "not a good match" or "don't get along" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utterly incompatible" functions as an adverb-adjective construction. The adverb "utterly" intensifies the adjective "incompatible", emphasizing the degree of irreconcilability. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

27%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "utterly incompatible" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that serves to strongly emphasize a lack of compatibility or agreement between two or more entities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for use in written English and its use is prevalent in "News & Media", scientific and academic contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of the level of formality required, as it may not always be suitable for informal settings. Consider alternatives such as "completely irreconcilable" or "fundamentally opposed" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Completely irreconcilable

Replaces "incompatible" with "irreconcilable" emphasizing the impossibility of resolving differences.

Irreconcilably different

Stresses the inability to reconcile the differences, making it a strong assertion of incompatibility.

Totally unsuited

Focuses on a lack of suitability rather than direct conflict, softening the incompatibility.

Fundamentally opposed

Highlights a basic opposition in principles or nature, indicating a deeper incompatibility.

Entirely conflicting

Uses "conflicting" to highlight direct opposition, similar to "incompatible" but more forceful.

Absolutely contradictory

Highlights a direct contradiction between the two things, intensifying the sense of incompatibility.

Diametrically opposed

Emphasizes that the items are as different as possible.

In complete disagreement

Shifts the focus to disagreement, implying the lack of harmony and potential conflict.

Hopelessly at odds

Indicates that the people are in opposition and there is no resolution to the conflict.

Perfectly mismatched

Highlights a lack of suitability or harmony, often implying an amusing or unfortunate combination.

FAQs

How can I use "utterly incompatible" in a sentence?

You can use "utterly incompatible" to describe things that cannot coexist or people who cannot get along. For example: "Science and faith are often seen as utterly incompatible" or "Their personalities were utterly incompatible, leading to frequent arguments."

What are some alternatives to saying "utterly incompatible"?

Some alternatives include "completely irreconcilable", "totally unsuited", or "fundamentally opposed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "utterly incompatible" a formal or informal phrase?

"Utterly incompatible" leans towards the formal side. In more casual settings, you might prefer phrases like "not a good match" or "don't get along".

What's the difference between "utterly incompatible" and "slightly incompatible"?

"Utterly incompatible" signifies a complete and irreconcilable difference, while "slightly incompatible" suggests a minor or manageable difference. The former implies a fundamental clash, the latter, a minor inconvenience.