compromised

adjective

com·​pro·​mised ˈkäm-prə-ˌmīzd How to pronounce compromised (audio)
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 Some people that are so compromised, every little detail makes a huge impact. Amanda Lauren, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2023 Take a look underneath the car periodically to inspect for any rough or compromised parts that could be a safety risk on the road if left unfixed. Ben Wojdyla, Popular Mechanics, 21 Apr. 2023 People with very compromised immunity are often cautioned against using live vaccines because even these very weakened viruses may be risky for them. Brenda Goodman, CNN, 3 Apr. 2023 The cybersecurity risks in software development were also made apparent during the pandemic, when developers could be working remotely in compromised environments, said Mark Horvath, an analyst focused on cybersecurity at research and consulting firm Gartner Inc. Belle Lin, WSJ, 24 Jan. 2023 But all of that is of little solace to the tens of thousands of San Diegans who continue to remain at greater risk of infection, people with compromised or weakened immune systems who are much more likely to have moderate to severe symptoms. Lauren J. Mapp, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Mar. 2023 For compromised accounts, individuals can file a report through the Data Abuse Bounty program. Charmaine Patterson, Peoplemag, 10 Oct. 2022 The computer system belonging to the Facilities Services Division, which oversees maintenance and construction, was the most compromised, per the Times. Catherine Garcia, The Week, 5 Oct. 2022 While exfoliating ingredients are necessary for that youthful glow, taking too many actives to the face can cause something called your skin barrier to become compromised, which contributes to irritation. April Benshosan, Women's Health, 23 Feb. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'compromised.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1842, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of compromised was in 1842

Dictionary Entries Near compromised

Cite this Entry

“Compromised.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compromised. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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