incommensurate

adjective

in·​com·​men·​su·​rate ˌin-kə-ˈmen(t)-s(ə-)rət How to pronounce incommensurate (audio)
-ˈmen(t)-sh(ə-)rət
: not commensurate: such as
c
: disproportionate
a confidence incommensurate with their ability

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The problem, as Leavis understood, is that science and the humanities are inherently incommensurate endeavors. Paula Marantz Cohen, WSJ, 28 July 2017 Open the front door to chef-owner Genet Agonafer’s restaurant, a dining room that seems both a local fixture and oddly incommensurate with the neighborhood. Amy Scattergood, latimes.com, 9 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'incommensurate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1650, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of incommensurate was in 1650

Dictionary Entries Near incommensurate

Cite this Entry

“Incommensurate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/incommensurate. Accessed 26 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

incommensurate

adjective
in·​com·​men·​su·​rate ˌin-kə-ˈmen(t)s-(ə-)rət How to pronounce incommensurate (audio)
-ˈmench-(ə-)rət
: not commensurate: as
a
: inadequate
funds incommensurate with need
b
: disproportionate
a confidence incommensurate with his ability
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!


Love It or Hate It

  • heart-fire
  • When asked about her blind date, Carol spoke for hours with vitriol.
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY