compromise

American  

[kom-pruh-mahyz] / ˈkɒm prəˌmaɪz /

noun

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

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

Conjugated Forms

Present

• has compromised
  perfect 3rd person singular
• have compromised
  perfect
• has been compromising
  perfect progressive 3rd person singular
• am compromising
  progressive 1st person singular
• is compromising
  progressive 3rd person singular
• are compromising
  progressive
• compromises
  singular 3rd person
• compromising
  participle
• have been compromising
  perfect progressive

Past

• had compromised
  perfect
• was compromising
  progressive singular
• had been compromising
  perfect progressive
• were compromising
  progressive plural
• compromised
  simple
• compromised
  participle

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

Banks continue to be upset by the rules while crypto companies have portrayed it as a compromise.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026

For her part, Moafi believes that Dr. Mohan will be remembered for the way “she won’t compromise humanity in how she delivers care.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 3, 2026

"This compromise text will help restore deeply damaged trust," said Socialist lawmaker Elie Califer, who is from Guadeloupe and put forward the bill.

From Barron's • Jun. 2, 2026

There are a number of reasons why this D.C.–New Hampshire compromise would work.

From Slate • May 26, 2026

Marriage is one long fit of compromise, deep and wide.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver

Related Words

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