was not compatible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was not compatible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where two or more elements do not work well together or cannot function in harmony. Example: "The new software update was not compatible with the older operating system, causing several issues for users."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was not compatible with the Windows laptop.

Columbia University

But a planned economy was not compatible with financial markets.

The Economist

On Wednesday, the European Commission rejected his call, saying it was "not compatible with European values".

The New York Times

"Jésica would have been ruled out; she was not compatible," Ms. Paschke said.

The New York Times

But the erosion model was developed independent of G.I.S. technology and was not compatible with it.

The New York Times - Tech

Valls came under fire after saying on Wednesday that the burkini was "not compatible with the values of France".

The Guardian

He weighed 5st 8lbs (35kg) when he died; his doctor said his body mass index was not compatible with life.

The Guardian

On a visit to Shanghai in November, Barack Obama said filtering information was not compatible with modern life.

The Guardian - Tech

Companies, meanwhile, made clear to men that staying home with baby was not compatible with a career.

The New York Times

When he met Nuray, who had come to England as an au pair, Higgins concluded that his gaming habit was not "compatible with marriage," and quit.

The New Yorker

In that case, in my opinion, the use of Ripa was not necessary, was not proportionate and was not compatible with human rights.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was not compatible" when describing technical specifications, personal relationships, or abstract concepts to denote a lack of interoperability, connection, or harmony.

Common error

Avoid using "was not compatible" with subjects that don't logically allow for compatibility. For example, saying "the weather was not compatible with my mood" is a metaphorical stretch that may not resonate well with readers. Choose more direct expressions for subjective experiences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was not compatible" primarily functions as a predicative adjective phrase. It describes a state or condition where two or more entities cannot coexist harmoniously or function effectively together. This is evident in examples where software, personalities, or systems are described as incompatible.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was not compatible" effectively conveys a lack of alignment or the inability of two or more things to function together harmoniously. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. As we've seen in numerous examples, this phrase is frequently used in news, science, and academic writing to describe incompatibilities in software, relationships, and systems. Related alternatives include "was incompatible" and "did not align". When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the incompatible elements and their reasons for incompatibility. By avoiding misuse with irrelevant subjects, you can enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was incompatible

This alternative is a direct synonym, replacing 'compatible' with 'incompatible'.

did not align

This alternative expresses a lack of agreement or correspondence.

did not match

This alternative focuses on the absence of a direct correspondence or fit.

was unsuited

This alternative emphasizes the lack of suitability for a specific purpose or situation.

was inappropriate

This alternative highlights the unsuitability or inadequacy of something in a given context.

could not coexist

This alternative underscores the inability of two things to exist or function together harmoniously.

was at odds

This alternative signifies conflict or disagreement.

failed to integrate

This alternative describes the unsuccessful combination or merging of elements.

did not harmonize

This alternative suggests a lack of harmonious or pleasing combination.

was discordant

This alternative indicates a lack of agreement or harmony, often in a more formal or abstract sense.

FAQs

What does "was not compatible" mean?

The phrase "was not compatible" means that two or more things could not work together effectively or harmoniously. It suggests a lack of alignment or suitability between them.

How can I use "was not compatible" in a sentence?

You can use "was not compatible" to describe various situations, such as: "The software "was not compatible" with the older operating system", or "Their personalities "were not compatible", leading to frequent conflicts".

What can I say instead of "was not compatible"?

Alternatives to "was not compatible" include "was incompatible", "did not align", or "did not match" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "was incompatible" or "was not compatible"?

Both phrases are correct, but "was incompatible" is generally more concise. The choice depends on the desired level of emphasis or formality.