define mutually exclusive
Learner's definition of MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE. : related in such a way that each thing makes the other thing impossible: not able to be true at the same time or to exist together. â often used after not to describe things that can exist together or at the same time. War and peace are mutually exclusive. [=war and peace cannot exist at the same time]. mutually exclusive events. [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples. In a marriage, love and conflict are not mutually exclusive. [=both love and conflict can exist in a marriage at the same time]. [+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples.