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

But a single term in the Indiana General Assembly from 1884 to 1886, with its demands for legislative compromise, frustrated him.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 9, 2026

He certainly doesn’t understand compromise or the importance of local issues.

From Salon ● Oct. 9, 2026

Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua said in a social media post that the “matter is under investigation and details cannot be shared that could compromise the process.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 6, 2026

He said he was grateful to those engaging in dialogue, adding that it was "a crucial time" for Northern Ireland and he hoped compromise could be found.

From BBC ● Oct. 3, 2026

A compromise was reached, and I am pleased to report that vanilla yogurt makes quite an edible topping for apple pie.

From "Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie" by Jordan Sonnenblick

Some teams and drivers prefer not to use the system because of two key compromises.

From BBC ● Oct. 8, 2026

“It’s really hard to figure out how to get millions of people to pay to watch something, and that challenge leads to all kinds of compromises and sacrifices.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 24, 2026

I always thought that combining an iPhone and an iPad would mean bigger compromises.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 10, 2026

But the journey from two teenagers "mucking about with plasticine" to an Oscar-winning animation powerhouse has often hinged on chance decisions, practical compromises and creative instinct.

From BBC ● Sep. 4, 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 Japan, meanwhile, around 20 companies have said their data may have been compromised in a spate of similar cyberattacks potentially impacting millions of customers.

From Barron's ● Oct. 9, 2026

His race was then further compromised by contact with Bortoleto, for which the Audi driver was penalised, so 17th doesn't tell the whole story.

From BBC ● Oct. 4, 2026

Some found out via the news that their personal information might’ve been compromised, NPR reports, and aren’t sure how the bureau will protect them if vengeful criminals get their hands on it.

From Slate ● Sep. 30, 2026

“The question for any user is what happens if their device is compromised or the service itself is breached,” says Trevor Hilligoss, chief intelligence officer at security firm SpyCloud.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 29, 2026

That locked the two labs into a zero-sum game that only one could win unless both compromised significantly.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also condemned the president for potentially compromising the safety of their cities.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 8, 2026

Some long-time admirers of Mapfumo, who arrived in Harare on the eve of the helicopter crash, accused him on social media of compromising his principles, though this was denied by the 81-year-old musician.

From BBC ● Oct. 7, 2026

Cells must also be physically capable of changing shape, applying force and wrapping around dead material without compromising themselves or the surrounding tissue.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 5, 2026

Co-Chief Executive David Allemann said the quarterly results show a brand can achieve global scale without compromising its premium brand positioning.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 11, 2026

I turn, and as I turn, I lean back, compromising my balance.

From "Divergent" by Veronica Roth

Related Words

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