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
• procompromise
  adjective
• quasi-compromisingly
  adverb
• 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

Merely three days before the fair closed, the presidential election produced contested results that would not be resolved until the following year and the so-called Compromise of 1877.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

Compromise is likely to be needed, on both salary - Maguire is one of United's highest-paid players and co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is determined to drive costs down - and maybe contract length.

From BBC • Feb. 23, 2026

Compromise, we’ve heard, is the backbone of any lasting relationship.

From Salon • Oct. 25, 2024

Compromise and coalition-building would be mandatory, rather than detested and punished.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 7, 2023

Congress passed a series of laws, the Compromise of 1850, which dealt with issues of slavery in America’s new territories.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock

Related Words

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