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

The smell of burnt wood combining with grapes for smoky wine would not necessarily make it unfit for consumption, but it would likely compromise sales, he said.

From Barron's ● Aug. 6, 2026

He said investors may have to compromise on scale in order for the brand to continue to see success with its current customer base.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 4, 2026

Make sure that fast-tracking school doesn’t compromise your career.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 4, 2026

Iranian diplomats reacted positively to it, raising hopes that a compromise may be near, mediators said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 2, 2026

She would not compromise her dignity, and shrieked at us so that we might know it.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson

“You become a little more willing to make compromises on things that you might not usually compromise on, just because you’re so tired of searching,” said Alyssa Tracy, one of Travis’ confidants.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 27, 2026

“So I can only go by what he and the training staff are telling me. So, unless I hear otherwise, that hitting compromises his health, then I’m going to keep putting him in the lineup.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 25, 2026

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

He spoke without regret about the compromises he’s made along the path from organic farmer to agribusiness executive.

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan

In a September 2023 letter to Egan-Jones, the SEC wrote that the firm’s incentives for analysts could lead to compromised ratings.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 7, 2026

So while mFlusiva has the FDA’s blessing, Kennedy’s handpicked panel could still recommend that only a subset of Americans—say, people with compromised immune systems—get it.

From Slate ● Aug. 6, 2026

Four ethics experts told ProPublica that by accepting the tickets, Trusty and Carr had compromised the FCC’s impartiality and should not take part in any upcoming decision on Paramount’s proposed merger.

From Salon ● Aug. 4, 2026

His failure to slow sufficiently for yellow flags in qualifying compromised his starting position, but recovering from seventh to the podium and holding off the Ferraris was an impressive response.

From BBC ● Jul. 26, 2026

The long journey has compromised the Collective’s physical state.

From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera

USC coach Lincoln Riley said he is glad to have the Trojans’ annual rivalry game with Notre Dame back without compromising the Trojans’ biggest need.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 3, 2026

Fife Cook was cleared of breaching standards after allegations were made relating to bullying, compromising the impartiality of the council and causing the council to breach a statutory duty.

From BBC ● Jul. 30, 2026

Other sociologists say the impulse toward activism is compromising not only the aim and use of sociological research, but the quality of the research itself.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 25, 2026

Is it worth compromising our retirement goals to pay for a prestigious undergraduate education that may not deliver enough additional value?

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 21, 2026

He was again forced to choose between his image and his trainer’s wishes, and Howard was a man who had great difficulty compromising his image.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand

Related Words

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