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.
Shoppers considering used devices should assess their current gadget, choose reputable marketplaces and check device compatibility.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 21, 2026
Sometimes compatibility unfolds over long conversations at coffee shops or even on the dance floor.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 19, 2026
This activity itself isn’t new: People frequently work out the big picture of romantic compatibility by listing pros and cons, and the discovery of such a list is a recurring trope in sitcoms and rom-coms.
From Salon • Jun. 10, 2026
According to NHS Blood and Transplant, donor hearts in the UK are allocated based on urgency, blood type, donor–recipient compatibility, geography and waiting time.
From BBC • May 21, 2026
His insistence on the compatibility of the new science and Christian faith was an expression of his deepest convictions.
From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton
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.
