non-interchangeability
|non-in-ter-change-a-bi-li-ty|
🇺🇸
/ˌnɑn.ɪn.tər.tʃeɪnˈdʒə.bɪl.ɪ.ti/
🇬🇧
/ˌnɒn.ɪn.tə.tʃeɪnˈdʒə.bɪl.ɪ.ti/
cannot be substituted
Etymology
'non-interchangeability' originates from Modern English, specifically formed by the negative prefix 'non-' added to the noun 'interchangeability' (interchange + -ability).
'interchangeability' derives from 'interchange' (formed from Latin prefix 'inter-' meaning 'between' + the verb 'change', ultimately from Old French/Latin roots), with the nominalizing suffix '-ability' from Latin '-abilitas'; adding the prefix 'non-' produced 'non-interchangeability' in modern English.
Initially the elements meant 'between' (inter-), 'to change/exchange' (change), and the suffix signified 'ability'; combined they meant 'the ability to be exchanged'; adding 'non-' produced the current meaning 'not able to be exchanged/substituted.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the quality or condition of being not interchangeable; the inability or unsuitability of items, parts, systems, or concepts to be substituted for one another without loss of function, fit, or meaning.
The non-interchangeability of the custom components forced the company to keep a large stock of specific spare parts.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/10 14:55