Definition of compromise
1a : settlement of differences by arbitration or by consent reached by mutual concessionsb : something intermediate between or blending qualities of two different things
2 : a concession to something derogatory or prejudicial a compromise of principles
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Examples of compromise in a Sentence
“You can't always come up with the optimal solution, but you can usually come up with a better solution,” he [Barack Obama] said over lunch one afternoon. “A good compromise, a good piece of legislation, is like a good sentence.” —William Finnegan, New Yorker, 31 May 2004
I therefore proposed a … strategy that raised the possibility of compromise … —Robert S. McNamara, In Retrospect, 1995
I've had other films that were successful, but I'm aware of the compromises I made—and they were tremendous. —Woody Allen, Rolling Stone, 16 Sept. 1993
In his promotion of burgeoning black writers, however, Hughes made no compromises. —Rita Dove, New York Times Book Review, 9 Oct. 1988
the art of political compromise
To avoid an argument, always be ready to seek compromise.
a director who will not tolerate artistic compromise
She says that accepting their proposal would be a compromise of her principles.
Origin and Etymology of compromise
Middle English, mutual promise to abide by an arbiter's decision, from Anglo-French compromisse, from Latin compromissum, from neuter of compromissus, past participle of compromittere to promise mutually, from com- + promittere to promise — more at promise
First Known Use: 15th century
Definition of compromise
compromised
;compromising
transitive verb
1 obsolete : to bind by mutual agreement
2 : to adjust or settle by mutual concessions An arbiter was brought in to compromise their differences.
3a : to expose to suspicion, discredit, or mischief His reputation has been compromised.b : to reveal or expose to an unauthorized person and especially to an enemy Confidential information was compromised.c : to cause the impairment of a compromised immune system a seriously compromised patient
intransitive verb
1a : to come to agreement by mutual concession The two sides were unwilling to compromise. The union and employer agreed to compromise.b : to find or follow a way between extremes
2 : to make a shameful or disreputable concession wouldn't compromise with their principles
compromiser
nounExamples of compromise in a Sentence
You don't make deals that compromise yourself or your team, of course, but you help other riders if you can, so they might return the favor. —Lance Armstrong, It's Not About the Bike, (2000) 2001
The book is compromised by the author's lack of selectivity. —Amy Hempel, Ms., October/November 1999
Our plan had been to pass a good balanced budget without compromising its essential components … —Tony Blankley, George, September 1997
Lieutenant Charon would get a pat on the back from his captain … not to mention congratulations for running such a quiet and effective operation that had not compromised his informants … —Tom Clancy, Without Remorse, 1994
Finally, the two sides compromised and a treaty was signed … —Alfredo Quarto, Cultural Survival Quarterly, 1990
The two sides were unwilling to compromise.
We can't reveal that information without compromising national security.
a dangerous drug that can further compromise an already weakened immune system
Origin and Etymology of compromise
see 1compromise
First Known Use: 1598
COMPROMISE Defined for English Language Learners
compromise
playDefinition of compromise for English Language Learners
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: a way of reaching agreement in which each person or group gives up something that was wanted in order to end an argument or dispute
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: something that combines the qualities of two different things
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: a change that makes something worse and that is not done for a good reason
compromise
playDefinition of compromise for English Language Learners
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: to give up something that you want in order to reach an agreement : to settle differences by means of a compromise
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: to expose (something) to risk or danger
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: to damage or weaken (something)
COMPROMISE Defined for Kids
Definition of compromise for Students
1 : an agreement over a dispute reached by each side changing or giving up some demands After much argument, they finally reached a compromise.
2 : something agreed upon as a result of each side changing or giving up some demands Our compromise is to take turns with the toy.
Definition of compromise for Students
compromised
;compromising
1 : to settle by agreeing that each side will change or give up some demands
2 : to expose to risk, suspicion, or disgrace A spy can compromise national security.
Medical Dictionary
Medical Definition of compromise
compromised
;compromising
: to cause the impairment of certain chemical agents may compromise placental function a compromised immune system
compromise
Medical Definition of compromise
: the condition of having been compromised : impairment cardiovascular compromise patients at risk for airway compromise—David Jaffe et al
Law Dictionary
compromise
Legal Definition of compromise
: an agreement resolving differences by mutual concessions especially to prevent or end a lawsuit
compromise
Legal Definition of compromise
compromised
compromising
transitive verb
intransitive verb
Learn More about compromise
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See words that rhyme with compromise Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for compromise Spanish Central: Translation of compromise Nglish: Translation of compromise for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of compromise for Arabic speakers
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