What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
incompatible
Example
The new software is incompatible with the old operating system. [incompatible: adjective]
Example
Their personalities were so incompatible that they couldn't get along. [incompatible: adjective]
conflicting
Example
The two witnesses gave conflicting accounts of what happened. [conflicting: adjective]
Example
Her actions were conflicting with her words, making it hard to trust her. [conflicting: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Conflicting is more commonly used than incompatible in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts and situations. Incompatible is more specialized and is often used in technical or scientific contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between incompatible and conflicting?
Incompatible is generally considered more formal than conflicting, as it is often used in technical or scientific writing. However, both words can be used in formal or informal contexts depending on the situation.
