English · Word Candidate

compatibility

/kəmˌpætəˈbɪlɪti/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: compatibilities

Sense 1

Meaning · English

The state of being compatible; in which two or more things are able to exist or work together in combination without problems or conflict.

Noun

Examples

One huge self-inflicted wound the industry is now suffering from is the lack of coupling compatibility. Up to the 1980s virtually everything had compatible drawgear on a given route, so there was every chance of pushing a failed train out of the way. Since privatisation, compatibility has been lost

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

the capability of two or more items or components of equipment or material to exist or function in the same system or environment without mutual interference.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “compatibility” mean?

The state of being compatible; in which two or more things are able to exist or work together in combination without problems or conflict.

Is “compatibility” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.