compensatory

American  

[kuhm-pen-suh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] / kəmˈpɛn səˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i /

Also compensative

adjective

1. serving to compensate, as for loss, lack, or injury.

2. countercyclical.

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Other Word Forms

• noncompensative
  adjective
• noncompensatory
  adjective
• recompensatory
  adjective
• subcompensative
  adjective
• subcompensatory
  adjective
• uncompensative
  adjective
• uncompensatory
  adjective

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Etymology

Origin of compensatory

First recorded in 1595–1605; compensate + -ory ¹

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

compensatory

"While some therapies are effective at the beginning, many patients eventually relapse because cancer cells can activate compensatory and convergent biological pathways that allow them to overcome the toxic effects of therapy, promoting survival."

From Science Daily ● Sep. 23, 2026

When one Indiana walking club formerly using the hot-girl designation rebranded as “Hotwalk Indy,” Lind filed for compensatory damages.

From Salon ● Jul. 7, 2026

She is requesting that the arbitration order be lifted, the arbitration process halted and her severance agreement voided, and asks for compensatory damages to cover lost book sales and speaking fees.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 25, 2026

The compensatory and emotional distress damages were split between Rebecca Grossman and Erickson.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 9, 2026

I do this sometimes as a compensatory tactic.

From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides

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