middle ground

American  

noun

1. an intermediate position, area, or recourse between two opposites or extremes; a halfway or neutral standpoint.

2. middle distance.

3. Nautical. a length of comparatively shallow water having channels on both sides.

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middle ground British  

noun

1. another term for middle distance See middle-distance

2. a position of compromise between two opposing views, parties, etc

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Etymology

Origin of middle ground

First recorded in 1775–85

Example Sentences

Others have tried to find a middle ground.

From BBC • May 9, 2026

“That leaves the market in an uncomfortable but potentially constructive middle ground: cautious enough to be defensive, but not so fearful that it cannot respond to better news.”

From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026

From what you say, there is little room for middle ground between excommunication and open lines of communication.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 3, 2026

Miami falls into an awkward middle ground that the blue bloods often avoid.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 2, 2026

“I think I’d like to find a middle ground for myself,” he says.

From "Allegiant" by Veronica Roth