compatibility

American  

[kuhm-pat-uh-bil-i-tee] / kəmˌpæt əˈbɪl ɪ ti /

noun

• compatibilities
  plural

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.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• compatibilities
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of compatibility

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

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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.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

compatibility compatibilities

“The goal of dating is to meet people and discover if there are mutual points of compatibility and fun,” she says.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 25, 2026

He underwent extensive assessments, including compatibility testing, psychological evaluations, blood tests, cholesterol checks and other medical examinations.

From BBC ● Sep. 16, 2026

That compatibility suggests devices based on the technique could potentially be scaled up relatively quickly.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 4, 2026

"My girlfriend's AI compatibility rating was perfect," he added.

From Barron's ● Jul. 28, 2026

There’s not the least indication that love, or desire, or even compatibility will sway me.

From "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins

And, placebo or not, I can’t help but think there are other, less discernible compatibilities uniting us all.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 18, 2023

You name a number of compatibilities, and I think it’s worth trying to work things out.

From Slate ● Dec. 8, 2020

Figure 18.17 summarizes the blood types and compatibilities.

From Textbooks ● Jun. 19, 2013

The trigger was the mutual interest of all three in south Indian music and its compatibilities with contemporary , so the pieces explore lots of intricate melodies and rhythms.

From The Guardian ● Dec. 23, 2010

I hear of people studying the character, the compatibilities, and what not, of other people; but I never knew of a young man thinking of such things when he was in love.

From Macleod of Dare by William Black

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