compromise

[kom-pruh-mahyz]

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.

verb (used with object)

compromised, compromising 

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)

compromised, compromising 

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

/ 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

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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of compromise¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of compromise¹

C15: from Old French compromis, from Latin comprōmissum mutual agreement to accept the decision of an arbiter, from comprōmittere, from prōmittere to promise

Example Sentences

Former City academy nutritionist Dan Richardson told BBC Sport he would always look for the "safest approach possible" so as "not to compromise on the safety of food".

Read more on BBC

Secretary of State Marco Rubio sought to pour cold water on the idea that the U.S. would compromise on Taiwan in remarks to reporters earlier this week.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Then, in August, the UK finally revealed what many suspected – that it had been hit as part of a highly sophisticated espionage campaign codenamed Salt Typhoon, which compromised telecoms companies around the world.

Read more on BBC

Leaders, including Italy’s nationalist right-wing Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, have shown political staying power by working within the established political system and compromising with partners to pursue priorities.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"You can imagine that compromising between four parties with different ideologies will be very challenging," Sarah de Lange, Professor of Dutch Politics at Leiden University, told AFP.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

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