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 months of negotiations failed to produce a compromise capable of surviving the Senate floor, despite heavy lobbying from the crypto industry and a frantic final effort by Republicans to rewrite the legislation.

From Barron's ● Sep. 15, 2026

As back-channel compromise talks collapsed, negotiator Richard Ravitch summed up the mutual frustration to a union official in few words: “What a mess.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 14, 2026

That Sher placed such ideas into law reflected his ability to persuade and compromise.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 14, 2026

Tremblay added even if Canada cut its trade with the US over the longer term, it was clear "they'll have to sit down and make a compromise".

From BBC ● Sep. 13, 2026

Now no one could tie his hands or force him into an uncomfortable compromise.

From "Boots on the Ground: America's War in Vietnam" by Elizabeth Partridge

She’s tested Android versions from Samsung and Google since 2019, finding that early editions came with too much screen and too many compromises.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 10, 2026

Gasly was never going to hold on to the lead, and the Alpine's lack of pace after his stunning qualifying performance, aided by compromises elsewhere, soon began to tell.

From BBC ● Sep. 6, 2026

Phil music director, remains the Bowl, a fabulous gathering place but one of musical compromises along with exaltation.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 26, 2026

Potential compromises: Housing prices are rising in the most desirable neighborhoods.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 25, 2026

His arguments for a fortified national government became the centerpiece around which all the compromises and revisions of the eventual document congealed, giving him the honorary title of “Father of the Constitution.”

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis

"The thought that all of these beautiful creatures and habitats could be compromised as superpowers slug it out for supremacy is sobering."

From Barron's ● Sep. 16, 2026

South Korea said Friday it was considering "contributions" to US security efforts along the strait provided that its own military readiness was not compromised.

From Barron's ● Sep. 9, 2026

Fire department officials evacuated residences along Seaside Walk, from 63rd to 67th Place in Long Beach after the seawall and boardwalk were found to be compromised, the department said in a post on Instagram.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 8, 2026

She said the company "owes it to the LGBTQ+ community it serves to compensate those whose data has been compromised".

From BBC ● Sep. 7, 2026

It’s a risk for countless reasons, the worst being that there’s always a possibility that it Julie has been caught, she may have already compromised the name.

From "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein

"These investments translate into high-speed connectivity, secure data analysis, and tech jobs for Ecuadorian workers, without compromising state security or user privacy," he said.

From Barron's ● Sep. 9, 2026

What level of spending today leaves a high enough probability that you can make the California move later, without compromising your retirement?

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 3, 2026

"We believe that these changes will... help dilute the effect of a mobilised block vote, without compromising fairness or trust," according to the letter, which was first reported by Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet, external.

From BBC ● Aug. 14, 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

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