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

See Examples For:

mutually exclusive

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

From Science Daily ● Jun. 13, 2026

But surviving illness and grieving the loss of part of your identity are not mutually exclusive things.

From BBC ● Jun. 3, 2026

The three buyer options aren’t mutually exclusive and could be combined, the shareholder said.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 8, 2026

“We don’t see software and semis being mutually exclusive, but for many the question becomes, ‘Why bother with software if semis are going to outperform on an absolute and relative basis?’”

From MarketWatch ● Apr. 6, 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