compromised

adjective

com·​pro·​mised ˈkäm-prə-ˌmīzd How to pronounce compromised (audio)
Synonyms of compromised
1
: made vulnerable (as to attack or misuse) by unauthorized access, revelation, or exposure
compromised data/passwords/accounts
a compromised computer
2
: impaired or diminished in function : weakened, damaged, or flawed
a compromised immune system
… cancers transplanted into immunologically compromised mice.Douglas Daly
Both of these situations would be detrimental to the already compromised cancer patient.Don Steven Poster et al.
… walking all night also meant risking hallucinations, hypothermia, and compromised judgment.Eva Holland
"Explorer owners told us they want … improved fuel economy without compromised performance."Mark Fields
… fixed an issue that made it easier for hackers to obtain users' information. Despite the app's compromised security, it is gaining popularity.Carolyn Bossmann
These are all examples of compromised integrity in everyday life in a world where "the end justifies the means" mentality appears to prevail.Gary Martin
3
: exposed to suspicion or discredit : revealed as or suspected of being disreputable, untrustworthy, etc.
a compromised reputation
a compromised judge

Examples of compromised in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Traditionally, zinc has been associated with repair, protection, and control, particularly in compromised or reactive skin states. Tatiana Dias, Vogue, 29 May 2026 There is no closing agreement, no compromised assessment, no determination of liability through any of the channels the IRC provides. Andrew Leahey, Forbes.com, 29 May 2026 The compromised container was one of three large tanks at the site containing the chemical. Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 25 May 2026 Sensitive data on pricing, routing, customer identity, and cargo contents moves across systems, where a single compromised credential can have a far-reaching impact. Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 2 May 2026 Whether from an unbalanced diet or environmental factors, your body can become compromised and more vulnerable to damage. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026 The long-term damage that an unqualified, incompetent, compromised or immoral — but superpowered — mayor can inflict on the city is too great. Steven Falk, Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2026 How fake error malware attacks actually work These attacks begin with a compromised website. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 7 Jan. 2026 Greer speculates that Judith’s long life—dying at age 70—is a strong indicator that Anne may have experienced a compromised pregnancy with the twins. Nathan Smith, Time, 26 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of compromised was in 1842

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Cite this Entry

“Compromised.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compromised. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.

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