compatibility

[kuhm-pat-uh-bil-i-tee]

noun

1. the natural ability to live or work together in harmony because of well-matched characteristics.

   In earlier times, love and compatibility were not the main considerations in finding a suitable spouse.

2. the quality or fact of being in agreement; consistency.

   Her essay questions the presumed compatibility of capitalism and democracy.

3. Computers.,  the ability to be used with a certain operating system or piece of hardware or software without the need for special adaptations.

   Before installing the application, check the compatibility of your device.

4. the ability to function or be integrated with other parts of any system, whether biological or technical.

   Terasaki devised the first tissue-typing method to assess the compatibility of organ donors and recipients.

Word History and Origins

Origin of compatibility¹

First recorded in 1605–15; equivalent to Medieval Latin compatibili(s) + Latin -tās; compatible ( def. ), -ty ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

When the reconstruction project is complete the sign will be relocated to ensure “compatibility with the new road designs and integrated into the broader improvements planned for the area,” according to airport officials.

From Los Angeles Times

Twenty years ago, there were no dating apps that could assess my compatibility with a partner and no Yelp reviews that could predict if I’d like where I chose to eat dinner.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s Lucy’s job to sift through a person’s attributes, both real and imagined, legitimately important and completely superfluous, to determine their compatibility with one of her clients.

From Salon

“You are working together and that bonds you. And we don’t know whether or not that bond is really love or compatibility — it’s ‘we want to make a good product.’”

From Los Angeles Times

Officials said the game has been prohibited indefinitely until its compatibility with Islamic law can be determined.

From BBC

Related Words

• rapport 
• unity