mutually exclusive

American

[myoo-choo-uh-lee ik-skloo-siv, -ziv] / ˈmyu tʃu ə li ɪkˈsklu sɪv, -zɪv /

adjective

of or relating to a situation involving two or more events, possibilities, etc., in which the occurrence of one precludes the occurrence of the other.

mutually exclusive plans of action.

Usage

What does mutually exclusive mean? Describing two things as mutually exclusive means that they can’t both exist, be true, or happen at the same time. In most cases, the phrase implies that one of the things prevents the other from happening or being true, or that both things prevent each other from happening or being true. Mutually exclusive is often used in negative constructions about things that are said to be not mutually exclusive—meaning they can both happen or be true at the same time. Example: Kindness and a good business sense are not mutually exclusive—it’s possible to be financially successful without being a jerk.

Etymology

Origin of mutually exclusive

First recorded in 1870–75

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.

Dzikowski, R., Frank, M. & Deitsch, K. Mutually exclusive expression of virulence genes by malaria parasites is regulated independently of antigen production.

From Nature • Sep. 24, 2017

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023