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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

mutually exclusive

The government said it did not accept that backing the creative industries and supporting the AI sector were mutually exclusive.

From BBC ● Oct. 30, 2026

Speaking with kindness and being 100% honest are not mutually exclusive.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 28, 2026

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

From Science Daily ● Jun. 13, 2026

The president’s threats suggest they weren’t so mutually exclusive after all.

From Slate ● Apr. 8, 2026

But very often the two—presented as opposing sides in a set- to—will look as if they are mutually exclusive.

From "Words Like Loaded Pistols" by Sam Leith

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