compatibility
The ability of different software programs, hardware devices, or systems to work together without conflict.
Compatibility is about harmony between systems. It ensures that a new app runs on your old phone, or that a file created on a Mac can open on a Windows PC.
Word relationships
- interoperability: Interoperability is the ability of diverse systems to actively exchange and use information, while compatibility is simply being able to coexist or run on the same system.
- incompatibility: Incompatibility is the state of two things being unable to exist or work together without conflict.
Commonly confused with
- interoperability: Compatibility is the ability to run on a system without conflict, while interoperability is the active exchange of data between systems.
Word family
- compatible (adjective): Able to exist or occur together without conflict.
Collocations
- backward compatibility
- compatibility mode
- ensure compatibility
- compatibility issue
Example sentences
- "Please check the compatibility requirements before downloading the software to ensure it works with your operating system." A software product description page.
Memory hook
Think of a 'compatible' couple; they get along perfectly without fighting. Compatible systems get along without fighting.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'interoperability', which refers to active data exchange and cooperative work, rather than just being able to run on the same platform.
Fun facts
- Backward compatibility is what allows modern video game consoles to play games designed for older generations of the same console.
Explore more words
coexistence, align, alignment, complementary, symbiotic, complement
Also appears in
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