compatibility

noun

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

(telecommunications) 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.

(computing) the ability to execute a given program on different types of computers without modification of the program or the computers. See backward compatibility and forward compatibility.

(computing) the capability that allows the substitution of one subsystem (storage facility), or of one functional unit (e.g., hardware, software), for the originally designated system or functional unit in a relatively transparent manner, without loss of information and without the introduction of errors.

(structural analysis) the continuity or good fit of material or members or components while being deformed.

Roots

patiorpat- · Latin · suffer, endure

Synonyms for compatibility

conformancen congruityn conformityn congruencen

Synonyms & related words for compatibility

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Words related to compatibility

Explore words related to compatibility — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include compatible, compatibly, incompatibility, histocompatible, incompatible, interoperability, congenialness, operability. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for compatibility

Common synonyms for compatibility include conformance, congruity, conformity, congruence — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does compatibility come from?

The word compatibility breaks down into one root of Latin origin: the root pat-, from Latin patior (“suffer, endure”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.