compatibility
Americannoun
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the natural ability to live or work together in harmony because of well-matched characteristics.
In earlier times, love and compatibility were not the main considerations in finding a suitable spouse.
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the quality or fact of being in agreement; consistency.
Her essay questions the presumed compatibility of capitalism and democracy.
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Computers. the ability to be used with a certain operating system or piece of hardware or software without the need for special adaptations.
Before installing the application, check the compatibility of your device.
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the ability to function or be integrated with other parts of any system, whether biological or technical.
Terasaki devised the first tissue-typing method to assess the compatibility of organ donors and recipients.
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of compatibility
First recorded in 1605–15; equivalent to Medieval Latin compatibili(s) + Latin -tās; see compatible ( def. ), -ty 2 ( def. )
Explanation
Compatibility has to do with how people or things get along. A married couple should have a lot of compatibility; people who always argue don't have any. Compatibility is a huge issue in life. Every person has compatibility with some people and a lack of compatibility with others. Compatibility applies to things too; computer programs have compatibility with certain types of computers but not others. In all cases, compatibility has to do with getting along. People with compatibility also have chemistry — they are in harmony.
Vocabulary lists containing compatibility
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
App Support and Compatibility: Make sure it works on all your stuff.
From Salon • Feb. 11, 2026
Compatibility can become obvious when faced with what feels like a pixie-dusted gantlet.
From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 9, 2023
Next, in the Properties box click on the Compatibility tab.
From Seattle Times • Jan. 15, 2022
The Android Compatibility Program is a set of publicly available code designed to ensure that app developers can make devices that will work together.
From Washington Post • Sep. 14, 2021
“Sort of. But arranged marriages are more about practicalities than romance. Compatibility, a long-term partnership. That sort of thing.”
From "When Dimple Met Rishi" by Sandhya Menon
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
