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.

---

verb (used with object)

compromised, compromising

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)

compromised, compromising

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

---

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

• compromiser
  noun
• compromisingly
  adverb
• compromissary
  adjective
• noncompromising
  adjective
• procompromise
  adjective
• quasi-compromising
  adjective
• quasi-compromisingly
  adverb

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

But it’s worth exploring where exactly a libertarian draws the line between reasonable compromise and abandonment of principle.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 18, 2026

However, since those first few weeks of the conflict, risk assets have rallied powerfully in expectation of some kind of negotiated compromise between the warring parties and a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

From MarketWatch • May 18, 2026

However, in a last-minute compromise it agreed to first send sensitive documents to the Intelligence and Security Committee, who would decide what could and could not be published.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

The bill, sought by Coinbase, aims to boost institutional crypto adoption; a compromise allows rewards on usage, not idle deposits.

From Barron's • May 14, 2026

This was a compromise, and Duane was good at compromises.

From "The Very, Very Far North" by Dan Bar-el

Related Words

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