Definition

In a way that is not able to exist or work together with something else.

Example

The two systems operate incompatibly, causing frequent errors.

Conversation

I think our tastes in music might clash a bit.

Yeah, I noticed we listen to genres that are incompatibly different.

Exactly! It's funny how that works sometimes.

But it makes for interesting conversations, right?

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Incompatibly → It is formed from "in-" (meaning not), "com-" (meaning together), and "patibilis" (from Latin, meaning able to suffer or endure). The word describes a state of being unable to exist or function together harmoniously.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('in-') being able to 'endure together' ('com-' and 'patibilis') — that's why incompatibly means not able to coexist harmoniously.

Visually Confused Words