mutually exclusive

American  

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

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.

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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

Equity, taking their differences into account, and equality, giving them the same amount, are not mutually exclusive concepts.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 19, 2026

"Our results show that genetic diagnostics and functional neuroscience are not mutually exclusive areas," says Weber.

From Science Daily • Jun. 13, 2026

Basheer had wanted to show young people that honor and life were not mutually exclusive.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 10, 2025

Instead, it is an agglomeration of mutually exclusive cultures established separately on the continent at different times by different peoples, each based on its own disparate “habits, beliefs, customs, values, and ideals.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 7, 2025

As a woman who pursued sport professionally in hijab, I proved that being a modest Muslim woman and being active were not mutually exclusive.

From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad