incompatible

comparative more incompatible · superlative most incompatible

1. Of two or more things: that cannot coexist; not congruous because of differences; unable to function together due to dissimilarities.

   My phone is incompatible with the latest version of this app.

   3 more examples

   Courts of equity are in many instances so nice and intricate, that they are incompatible with the genius of trials by jury.

   1788, Publius [pseudonym; Alexander Hamilton], “Number LXXXIII”, in The Federalist: A Collection of Essays, Written in Favour of the New Constitution, […] , volume II, New York, N.Y.: […] J. and A. M‘Lean, […], →OCLC

   "You did not visit High Barn?" "Oh no." "But there was no particular reason why you should not?" "Why do you ask me that?" she demanded quickly, and in a tone that was quite incompatible with the simple inquiry.

   1914, Ernest Bramah [pseudonym; Ernest Brammah Smith], Max Carrados

   After the story was published, Hunter stated that the temple's executive committee informed him that such statements were incompatible with being a rabbi.

   2019 February 27, Jeremy Pelzer, “Green Party presidential hopeful says he was fired as rabbi because of Israel criticism”, in cleveland.com

   Synonyms: irreconcilable, abhorrent

2. chemistryIncapable of being together without mutual reaction or decomposition, as certain medicines.

plural incompatibles

1. in pluralchemistryAn incompatible substance; one of a group of things that cannot be placed or used together because of a change of chemical composition or opposing medicinal qualities.

   the incompatibles of iron

2. human sciencesA consequent of a contrary.

   Incompatibles are consequents of contraries. For example, sleeping and waking are contraries, and snoring is associated with sleepers. So snoring and waking are incompatibles.

   2004, Boethius, translated by Eleonore Stump, In Ciceronis Topica