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

Those who stand up for their ideals and principles without compromise, and seek to communicate them clearly, certainly won’t win every election, and they may well suffer for their convictions.

From Salon ● Aug. 23, 2026

A 2024 study published in the journal Climate Risk Management suggested that any temperature above 24C can compromise learning.

From BBC ● Aug. 22, 2026

So in a weird way, the new wordmark is kind of the perfect compromise.

From Slate ● Aug. 21, 2026

People with conditions that compromise the immune system are often more likely to produce weaker responses.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 21, 2026

Finally there was a compromise, and Bump called, “Get ready on your mark!”

From "Maniac Magee" by Jerry Spinelli

He will also need the buy-in from the provinces on any compromises.

From BBC ● Aug. 18, 2026

"A politician in Europe is someone who knows how to seek compromises, find common ground, understand the public mood, and adapt to it."

From Barron's ● Aug. 14, 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

Childbirth presents one of the most profound evolutionary compromises.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 11, 2026

Historians have emphasized the several compromises the delegates in Philadelphia brokered to produce the constitutional consensus: the interest of large versus small states; federal versus state jurisdiction; the sectional bargain over slavery.

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

Security researchers and secondhand-market experts say compromised phones are uncommon, but determining how many are out there is difficult.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 23, 2026

Some have demanded the city more thoroughly investigate whether municipal finances or policies were compromised and enact safeguards.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 22, 2026

They say the trial had been compromised as the jury were placed in the same hotel as some prosecutors and a key witness.

From BBC ● Aug. 19, 2026

That said, one hacker can wreak no small amount of havoc, as one compromised water system might serve tens of thousands of people.

From Slate ● Aug. 19, 2026

“Well, I have compromised myself in many ways,” said the bear-king.

From "The Amber Spyglass" by Philip Pullman

United States in 1929 that where Congress prescribes the exclusive method for compromising tax liability, informal settlements by officials, however senior, do not bind the United States.

From Slate ● Aug. 10, 2026

Is it still possible to have a career in software development without compromising my values?

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 7, 2026

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

We argue over how much breakfast I should eat, compromising at two eggs and some of the steak.

From "Linked" by Gordon Korman

Related Words

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