incompatibility
UK[ˌɪnkəmˌpætəˈbɪləti]US[ˌɪnkəmˌpætəˈbɪləti]
n
the state of two or more things being so different that they cannot exist or work together successfully.
n
a situation in which two pieces of computer equipment or programs cannot be used together.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
compatible
ity
in
not
compatible
able to exist together
ity
state or condition
Etymology
The word 'incompatibility' is built upon the core concept of 'compatibility', which originates from the late latin 'compatibilis', meaning "that can be endured together". This derives from the latin verb 'compati', a compound of 'com-' (together) and 'pati' (to suffer, endure). The prefix 'in-' is added to negate this state, creating the meaning "not able to endure together". Finally, the suffix '-ity', a productive noun-forming suffix from latin '-itas', transforms the adjective into an abstract noun denoting the quality or condition. Thus, the literal "state of not being able to endure together" evolved into the modern sense of mutual exclusivity or inability to function in harmony, applicable to systems, ideas, personalities, and technology.
Analysis
Structure: in (not) + compatible (able to exist together) + ity (state or condition)
in: latin origin, a prefix meaning "not" or "opposite of".
compatible: from latin 'compati' meaning "to suffer with", here meaning "able to exist together".
ity: latin suffix '-itas', forming nouns denoting a state or condition.
Examples
The incompatibility of their schedules made it difficult to arrange a meeting.
There is a fundamental incompatibility between his religious beliefs and the theory of evolution.
The software update caused an incompatibility with older operating systems.