compatibility

compatibility — noun

1. the degree to which people, groups, or things can get along, work together, or s

1.nounB2
Definition

the degree to which people, groups, or things can get along, work together, or stay together without causing problems or conflict.

Example

Before moving in, Aiko and Theo checked their compatibility as roommates by discussing daily habits.

collocation: check compatibility

A high level of compatibility between team members usually leads to better collaboration and results.

Common collocations
  • emotional compatibility
  • romantic compatibility
  • sexual compatibility
  • personal compatibility
  • relationship compatibility
  • check compatibility
  • test compatibility
Synonyms
  • harmony

    suggests an active, pleasant state of balance; stronger than mere compatibility

  • rapport

    more personal — implies mutual understanding and easy communication

  • affinity

    stresses a natural liking or connection between people

  • consonance

    formal; describes alignment of ideas, beliefs, or goals

Antonyms
  • incompatibility

    the direct opposite — inability to get along or work together

  • conflict

    stronger than incompatibility; active disagreement or opposition

Grammar Patterns

compatibility with [someone/something]

compatibility between [people/things]

[adjective] compatibility

Usage Note

Typically uncountable. Commonly paired with 'with' (compatibility with someone) or 'between' (compatibility between two people). Frequently modified by adjectives describing the type of relationship — emotional, romantic, sexual, or personal.

Common Mistakes

They tested the compatibility of each other.
They tested their compatibility with each other.
the people involved take 'with', not 'of'.
We have a good compatibility.
We have good compatibility.
this sense is uncountable; do not use 'a/an'.

2. the ability of a computer, device, or piece of software to work correctly with a

2.nounB2
Definition

the ability of a computer, device, or piece of software to work correctly with another system, program, or piece of equipment.

Example

Before buying a new printer, make sure it has compatibility with your operating system.

pattern: have compatibility with [system]

The latest software update improved compatibility between the app and older devices.

Common collocations
  • backward compatibility
  • forward compatibility
  • hardware compatibility
  • software compatibility
  • full compatibility
  • partial compatibility
  • system compatibility
  • device compatibility
Synonyms
  • interoperability

    more specific — the ability of different systems to exchange and use information

  • cross-platform support

    practical term meaning software works across multiple operating systems

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

compatibility with [a system/device]

compatibility between [devices/systems]

[adjective] compatibility

Usage Note

Often used with 'with' (compatibility with a system) or 'between' (compatibility between two devices). Common technical modifiers include 'backward', 'forward', 'full', and 'partial'.

Common Mistakes

This device has no compatibility to Windows.
This device has no compatibility with Windows.
always use 'compatibility with', never 'compatibility to'.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All five words describe a positive relationship between people or things, but they differ in scope and domain. 'Compatibility' is the broadest — it simply means the ability to exist or work together without conflict, covering everything from romantic partners to software systems. 'Harmony' suggests a more active, pleasant state of balance where every part fits smoothly. 'Accord' is more formal, often used in legal or diplomatic contexts ('the two sides reached an accord'). 'Consonance' is the most formal and abstract, typically describing alignment of ideas, beliefs, or sounds. 'Rapport' is the most personal — it implies mutual understanding and ease of communication between individuals. For example, two colleagues may have good rapport (they chat easily) but poor compatibility (they cannot share a project efficiently).

compatibility ↗harmony ↗accord ↗consonancerapport

Common collocations

Nouns

  • compatibility check
  • compatibility test
  • compatibility issue
  • compatibility mode
  • compatibility problem

Adverbs

Phrases

  • check compatibility
  • test compatibility
  • ensure compatibility
  • lack of compatibility
  • improve compatibility

Prepositions

  • compatibility with
  • compatibility between
  • compatibility among
  • compatibility of

Etymology

LatinLate LatinEnglish

Compatibility traces back to the Latin verb compati (to suffer with), which gave rise to the Late Latin adjective compatibilis (able to coexist). English borrowed this as compatible during the 16th century and later added the suffix -ity to form the noun meaning 'the quality of being able to harmonise or work together.'