VOOZH about

URL: https://www.dictionary.com/browse/compromise

⇱ COMPROMISE Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com


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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He argues that if the jailed democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi is released, she could play a decisive role, even at the age of 80, in finding an acceptable compromise.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

What were the other compromise approaches along the way?

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026

But to compromise would be antithetical to the spirit of the group.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

Meutya said over the weekend there would be "no room for compromise regarding compliance".

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

I decided that somehow or other we would have to work out a compromise, a way that we could both live in the valley even though not as friends.

From "Z for Zachariah" by Robert C. O’Brien

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.