backwards compatibility

ˈbækwərdz kəmˌpætəˈbɪləti

backwards compatibilities

Definition

Definition of backwards compatibility - Reverso English Dictionary

Noun

technology

TECH.

ability to work with older systems or versions

TECH.

The new software update offers backwards compatibility with older devices.
Backwards compatibility ensures the game runs on older consoles.
The printer's backwards compatibility saves costs on new equipment.

backward compatibility

Add a suggestion |

Feedback:

Expressions with backwards

fall over backwards

lose balance and fall

He tripped on the curb and fell over backwards.

take a step backwards

move one step back

He had to take a step backwards to avoid the puddle.

bend over backwards

make a great effort to achieve something

She bent over backwards to finish the project on time.

lean over backwards

make extra effort to help or satisfy someone

She will lean over backwards to make her guests feel comfortable.

be bent over backwards

make a great effort to help or please someone

She bent over backwards to make sure we were comfortable.

know something backwards

understand every detail of something very well

She knows the rules backwards.

Expressions with compatibility

compatibility test

check used to see if two different things work well together

The lab performed a compatibility test before the organ transplant.

backward compatibility

ability to work with older systems or versions

This software offers backward compatibility with previous versions.

compatibility mode

computer setting that lets newer systems work with older software or files

Run the game in compatibility mode if it crashes on this system.

environmental compatibility

degree to which something fits ecological limits and avoids serious environmental harm

We tested the environmental compatibility of the new building materials.

upward compatibility

ability of something to work with newer versions

This software offers upward compatibility with the latest operating systems.

forward compatibility

ability to work with future systems or versions

The app's forward compatibility ensures it works with future updates.

electromagnetic compatibility

ability of electrical equipment to work together without causing unwanted interference

The new motor controller was redesigned to improve its electromagnetic compatibility with nearby sensors.

hardware compatibility

ability of computer devices to work together without problems

Hardware compatibility was checked before installing the new graphics card.

software compatibility

ability of a program to work correctly with other programs or systems

We checked software compatibility before installing the update across all computers.

View all translations of backwards compatibility

✨Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.

French:rétrocompatibilité, ...
German:Abwärtskompatibilität, ...
Italian:retrocompatibilità, ...
Spanish:compatibilidad con versiones anteriores, ...
Portuguese:compatibilidade retroativa, ...
Chinese:向后兼容性, ...
Japanese:後方互換性, ...
Arabic:التوافُق مَع الإِصْدارات السابِقَة, ...
Hebrew:תְּאִימוּת לְאָחוֹר, ...
Russian:обратная совместимость, ...
Ukrainian:зворотна сумісність, ...
Hindi:पश्चसंगतता, ...
Bengali:পশ্চাৎমুখী সামঞ্জস্য, ...
Catalan:compatibilitat amb versions anteriors, ...
Czech:zpětná kompatibilita, ...
Danish:bagudkompatibilitet, ...
Dutch:achterwaartse compatibiliteit, ...
Greek:οπισθοσυμβατότητα, ...
Hungarian:visszafelé kompatibilitás, ...
Khmer:សមត្ថភាពអាចប្រើការជាមួយប្រព័ន្ធ ឬកំណែចាស់បាន, ...
Korean:하위 호환성, ...
Persian:سازگاری با نسخه‌های پیشین, ...
Polish:wsteczna kompatybilność, ...
Portuguese (BR):compatibilidade reversa, ...
Romanian:compatibilitate inversă, ...
Swedish:bakåtkompatibilitet, ...
Thai:การรองรับย้อนหลัง, ...
Turkish:geriye dönük uyumluluk, ...
Vietnamese:khả năng tương thích ngược, ...

Discover how Reverso redefines the dictionary

Go beyond “simple words”

100,000 expressions & idioms Understand any expression you come across: from corporate jargon like 💬 touch base or ↩️ circle back to everyday expressions such as 🌊 out of the blue or 🦆 lame duck, as well as idioms like 🍲 spill the beans and 🐎 hold your horses.

40,000 images When you search for a concrete noun or object, images help you grasp the meaning at a glance. Try searching for 🧵 puppytooth, 🎠 merry-go-round, ⚜️ fleur-de-lys, or 💤 bunk bed.

Informal language & slang Everyday conversations are packed with informal expressions and slang. Meanings are clearly tagged, so you'll always know when a word is casual. Look up hangry (😋 hungry + 😡 angry), 😎 rizz, 🕹️ noob, or 🔑 low-key.

Abbreviations & acronyms Quickly decode modern abbreviations and acronyms. Go from IDK to OMG in seconds and stay up to date with popular abbreviations such as 🐐 GOAT, 📜 tl;dr, 👀 POV, or 🖥️ AFK.

Regional usage (US / UK) Reverso highlights regional differences between American and British English. You’ll never have to wonder where a word is commonly used: try lift vs. elevator, courgette vs. zucchini, or popular British slang like dodgy or banter. What’s more, when you search for 'color', you’ll immediately see its British counterpart, 'colour'.

Get more than a simple definition

Translations for each meaning View translations alongside each meaning to see how a word is translated in each context. Simply toggle translations ON and choose among 25+ languages. You can also display the translation of definitions or examples into your native language to deepen your understanding.

Synonyms & related words by meaning View synonyms and related words for each meaning, not just for the word as a whole. This helps you choose the most accurate word for your context. Click the

icon to discover related terms: analogies, antonyms, common collocates, words with same roots, umbrella terms… Try with happening or hunch.

Multiple examples for every meaning Each meaning comes with three real-life examples to show you how the word is used in different contexts. Click the

icon next to the first example to see two additional options and learn to use new vocabulary naturally.

Go from understanding to mastery

Save words for later review Click the

icon to save words you want to revisit. You can also save a specific meaning by clicking on the

icon next to it. For example, you might want to save the word “table” as a verb, which means “to postpone”.

Practice with personalized flashcards Reverso automatically transforms your searches and saved words into personalized flashcards and quizzes, featuring high-quality audio and usage examples. This helps you transform terms you only recognize into words you actually use confidently.

Learn with Netflix, YouTube, and your favorite texts With Reverso Chrome extension, transform movies, TV shows, articles, or song lyrics into an interactive lesson. Look up words and expressions in one click on any website and learn with your favorite content.