incompatible

adjective

in·​com·​pat·​i·​ble ˌin-kəm-ˈpa-tə-bəl 

1

: not compatible: such as

a

: incapable of association or harmonious coexistence

incompatible colors

Their personalities were incompatible.

The policy is incompatible with my beliefs.

b

: unsuitable for use together

This printer is incompatible with some PCs.

specifically : unsuitable for use together because of undesirable chemical or physiological effects

incompatible drugs

c

: not both true

incompatible propositions

d

: incapable of blending into a stable homogeneous mixture

2

: incapable of being held by one person at one time

—used of offices that make conflicting demands on the holder

incompatible noun

incompatibly

ˌin-kəm-ˈpa-tə-blē 

adverb

Synonyms of incompatible

• conflicting
• inconsistent

Examples of incompatible in a Sentence

This printer is incompatible with some PCs.

the committee's incompatible goals—develop new projects and cut costs—meant that they got very little accomplished

Recent Examples on the Web

Brenntag was cited for failing to label containers holding hazardous waste and storing two incompatible compounds next to each other without having anything to separate them. —Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 10 Apr. 2026

This is not to say that any hair texture is incompatible with extensions, but sew-ins are a great option for curly or coily hair because more textured hair can better handle and hold extra hair, according to Marjan. —Hunter Lacey, Allure, 9 Apr. 2026

So the 458 Pro Campervan is ultimately more of a novelty or special use vehicle, good for short camping trips down slow, meandering country roads but downright incompatible with more ambitious RV trips. —New Atlas, 6 Apr. 2026

Any group of employees that forms an internal clique with secret membership, intimidation, special treatment, or retaliation is incompatible with public service and will be eliminated from this department. —Opinion Staff, Daily News, 5 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin incompatibilis, from Latin in- + Medieval Latin compatibilis compatible

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing incompatible

• self-incompatible

Rhymes for incompatible

• compatible
• biocompatible
• ratable
• rateable

Kids Definition

incompatible

adjective

in·​com·​pat·​i·​ble ˌin-kəm-ˈpat-ə-bəl 

1

: not able to be brought together in harmony

their personalities were incompatible

incompatible colors

2

a

: not able to be used together

incompatible computer systems

b

: unsuitable for use together because of undesirable chemical or bodily effects

incompatible blood types

incompatibly

-blē 

adverb

Medical Definition

incompatible

adjective

in·​com·​pat·​i·​ble ˌin-kəm-ˈpat-ə-bəl 

1

: unsuitable for use together because of chemical interaction or antagonistic physiological effects

incompatible drugs

2

of blood or serum : unsuitable for use in a particular transfusion because of the presence of agglutinins that act against the recipient's red blood cells