Fix ImportError: cannot import name 'triu' from 'scipy.linalg' in Gensim

Problem

When attempting to import Gensim, you encounter this error traceback:

python

Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "<stdin>", line 1, in <module>
  ...
  File "/usr/local/lib/python3.10/dist-packages/gensim/matutils.py", line 20, in <module>
    from scipy.linalg import get_blas_funcs, triu
ImportError: cannot import name 'triu' from 'scipy.linalg' (...)

This occurs because recent versions of SciPy (1.13.0+) removed the triu, tril, and tri functions, which were deprecated in earlier releases. Gensim's matutils.py module attempts to import triu, causing the import failure when using incompatible SciPy versions.

Solution

Install a compatible version of SciPy. Choose the method based on your environment:

For pip users

Downgrade to SciPy version 1.12.0 or 1.10.1:

bash

# Either install version 1.12.0
pip install scipy==1.12.0

# Or install version 1.10.1
pip install scipy==1.10.1

TIP

Version 1.12.0 is recommended as it's newer than 1.10.1 while still containing the required triu function

For conda users

Install any SciPy version below 1.13.0:

bash

conda install "scipy<1.13"

IMPORTANT

Avoid mixing pip and conda installs in the same environment. If you originally installed SciPy with conda, continue using conda for the downgrade to prevent environment conflicts.

Why These Versions Work

SciPy's release notes confirm the deprecation and removal timeline:

Deprecated in: SciPy 1.11.0 (May 2023)
Removed in: SciPy 1.13.0 (Dec 2023)

The triu function exists in any SciPy version earlier than 1.13.0, making versions 1.12.x, 1.11.x, and 1.10.x safe choices.

::: note Future Gensim updates may add support for SciPy 1.13.0+. Check the Gensim GitHub repository for compatibility updates. :::

Steps After Installation

Confirm the fix by importing Gensim:

python

python -c "import gensim; print('Gensim imported successfully!')"

You should see the success message without errors.

Best Practices

Specify exact version requirements in requirements.txt:
txt
```
scipy==1.12.0
gensim==x.x.x  # your Gensim version
```
Use virtual environments to isolate dependencies
Test library compatibility before upgrading major versions

TIP

For long-term projects, consider pinning both Gensim and SciPy versions to prevent breaking changes

Related Posts

Fix ImportError: cannot import name 'triu' from 'scipy.linalg' in Gensim ​

Problem ​

Solution ​

For pip users ​

For conda users ​

Why These Versions Work ​

Steps After Installation ​

Best Practices ​