compatibility

[kuhm-pat-uh-bil-i-tee]

noun

1. 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.

2. the quality or fact of being in agreement; consistency.

   Her essay questions the presumed compatibility of capitalism and democracy.

3. 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.

4. 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of compatibility¹

First recorded in 1605–15; equivalent to Medieval Latin compatibili(s) + Latin -tās; compatible ( def. ), -ty ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

Data centre compatibility with emissions goals "is unlikely for another decade", he told AFP.

Read more on Barron's

Rather than decrying that “dating surveys show two-thirds of Americans insist on political compatibility, and 1 in 6 have ended relationships over it,” professionals might recognize that political views reflect values.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The researchers first tested the supplement's compatibility with human cells, then evaluated its effects in mice with iron-deficiency anemia.

Read more on Science Daily

Dating surveys show two-thirds of Americans insist on political compatibility, and 1 in 6 have ended relationships over it.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

For example, I couldn't get 2001's Sonic Adventure 2 to work properly because of compatibility problems.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• rapport 
• unity