mutually exclusive

[ myoo-choo-uh-lee ik-skloo-siv, -ziv ]

adjective

1. of or relating to a situation involving two or more events, possibilities, etc., in which the occurrence of one precludes the occurrence of the other:

   mutually exclusive plans of action.

Word History and Origins

Origin of mutually exclusive¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

These two things are not mutually exclusive.

From BBC

We took this finding to mean that regions such as the amygdala and insular cortex were processing positive and negative emotions as mutually exclusive.

From Salon

"Citi supports the transition to a low-carbon economy through our net zero commitments and our $1 trillion sustainable finance goal. Our approach reflects the need to transition while also continuing to meet global energy needs – these activities are not mutually exclusive."

From Salon

These political ideologies are, in most contexts, mutually exclusive.

From Salon

The harm of surveillance should not be waved away as a mere “trade-off,” as if privacy and safety are mutually exclusive.

From Slate