compromise

American  

[kom-pruh-mahyz] / ˈkɒm prəˌmaɪz /

noun

compromises plural

1. a settlement of differences by mutual concessions; an agreement reached by adjustment of conflicting or opposing claims, principles, etc., by reciprocal modification of demands.

2. the result of such a settlement.

3. something intermediate between different things.

   The split-level is a compromise between a ranch house and a multistoried house.

4. an endangering, especially of reputation; exposure to danger, suspicion, etc..

   a compromise of one's integrity.

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verb (used with object)

compromises, present (3rd person singular) compromised, past participle, past compromising present participle

1. to settle by a compromise.

2. to expose or make vulnerable to danger, suspicion, scandal, etc.; jeopardize.

   a military oversight that compromised the nation's defenses.

3. Obsolete.

   1. to bind by bargain or agreement.

   2. to bring to terms.

verb (used without object)

compromises, present (3rd person singular) compromised, past participle, past compromising present participle

1. to make a compromise or compromises.

   The conflicting parties agreed to compromise.

2. to make a dishonorable or shameful concession.

   He is too honorable to compromise with his principles.

compromise British  

/ ˈkɒmprəˌmaɪz /

noun

1. settlement of a dispute by concessions on both or all sides

2. the terms of such a settlement

3. something midway between two or more different things

4. an exposure of one's good name, reputation, etc, to injury

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verb

1. to settle (a dispute) by making concessions

2. (tr) to expose (a person or persons) to disrepute

3. (tr) to prejudice unfavourably; weaken

   his behaviour compromised his chances

4. obsolete (tr) to pledge mutually

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• compromiser
  noun
• compromissary
  adjective
• noncompromising
  adjective
• procompromise
  adjective
• quasi-compromising
  adjective
• compromisingly
  adverb
• quasi-compromisingly
  adverb

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• compromises
  plural

Participles

• compromising
  present
• compromised
  past

Conjugated Forms

Present

• compromise
  simple
• compromises
  simple
• have compromised
  perfect
• has compromised
  perfect
• am compromising
  progressive
• are compromising
  progressive
• is compromising
  progressive
• have been compromising
  perfect progressive
• has been compromising
  perfect progressive

Past

• compromised
  simple
• had compromised
  perfect
• was compromising
  progressive
• were compromising
  progressive
• had been compromising
  perfect progressive

Future

• will compromise
  simple
• will have compromised
  perfect
• will be compromising
  progressive
• will have been compromising
  perfect progressive

Etymology

Origin of compromise

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Anglo-French compromisse, Middle French compromis, from Latin comprōmissum; equivalent to com- + promise

Explanation

A compromise is a way of settling differences by everybody making concessions. If you want to stay out until 10 and your friend wants to stay out until midnight, 11 is a good compromise. Compromise comes from the Latin compromissum, which means "mutual promise." It can be a noun or a verb. If you compromise with your lab partner over how to analyze the experimental data, you find the middle ground between your two ideas. Compromise can also mean to erode or diminish. If you never repair your brakes, you will compromise the safety of the car. If you cheat, you compromise your integrity.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

compromise compromises compromised compromising

He previously said he would take "responsibility" to fund the defence plan and make "no compromise" on defence.

From Barron's ● Jul. 18, 2026

I think a compromise to balance the system will probably cut or cap benefits only for higher earners, while increasing some taxes.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 17, 2026

The halt is part of a compromise between both sides involved in the legal action.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 14, 2026

Iranian diplomats have told mediators they would like to find a compromise but their hands are tied.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 14, 2026

It looked less and less likely that one of the three men could win, and some delegates began looking for a compromise candidate.

From "Ambushed!" by Gail Jarrow

Identify the compromises you’re consciously choosing to make in pursuit of a lifestyle that’s a better fit.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 20, 2026

Far from being a flawless machine, the body reads more like a patchwork of compromises shaped by millions of years of evolutionary tinkering.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 11, 2026

At the same meeting, Noel Gould of the Coastal San Pedro Neighborhood Council said the council is supporting the project after working closely with the developers to reach compromises.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 27, 2026

"There are certainly factions seriously opposed to the talks and to any compromises with the US," said Yale University lecturer Arash Azizi.

From Barron's ● Jun. 24, 2026

It may have been that they were weak people, ill suited for the rigors of emigration, its humiliations and compromises, its competing demands of self-discipline and adventurousness.

From "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline

The programme heard from former senior police officers and politicians who spoke about behaviour they described as hypocritical and which put Donaldson in danger of being compromised by his political opponents.

From BBC ● Jul. 21, 2026

A handful of residential units were inundated, including a few where electricity had to be shut off because their electrical panels were compromised.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 18, 2026

Once that protective barrier is compromised, harmful microbial products can enter the bloodstream, reach the liver, and trigger inflammatory immune responses, including excessive activation of CD8+ T cells.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 11, 2026

When she wasn’t working, Robertson helped her husband manage complications from juvenile diabetes and a brain tumor — including kidney issues, the loss of vision in one eye and a compromised immune system.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 7, 2026

All the while I was listening for clicks, listening to the sound we’d been told would signify a compromised line.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse

"Europe should have access to the world’s most capable AI without compromising control over their data, operations or digital future," Microsoft President Brad Smith said in the statement.

From Barron's ● Jul. 21, 2026

For her, "If entertainment attracts new fans without compromising the football itself then it is a positive thing."

From BBC ● Jul. 19, 2026

In short, Becket is where men and women representing a variety of strong religious beliefs find common ground without compromising their principles.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 29, 2026

“DOGE,” as Elon Musk dubbed the entity, has come under fire from two other whistleblowers for mishandling data and compromising the Social Security numbers of every American.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 5, 2026

Explain that he wanted her to get something really nice for herself, but that his gift-giving was compromising her.

From "Song of Solomon" by Toni Morrison

Related Words

• accommodation
• accord
• adjustment
• arrangement
• bargain
• concession
• deal
• pact
• settlement
• understanding