mutually exclusive

[myoo-choo-uh-lee ik-skloo-siv, -ziv]

adjective

1. 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of mutually exclusive¹

First recorded in 1870–75

When To Use

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.