compromise

1 of 2

noun

com·​pro·​mise ˈkäm-prə-ˌmīz 

1

a

: settlement of differences by arbitration or by consent reached by mutual concessions

b

: something intermediate between or blending qualities of two different things

2

: a concession to something derogatory or prejudicial

a compromise of principles

compromise

2 of 2

verb

compromised; compromising

intransitive verb

1

a

: 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

transitive verb

1

a

: to reveal or expose to an unauthorized person and especially to an enemy

Confidential information was compromised.

b

: to cause the impairment of

illnesses that can seriously compromise the immune system

If you don't acknowledge the parent at all, you risk seeming unnecessarily hostile or dismissive but if you allow the parent to govern decisions you could compromise the patient.

—Ranjana Srivastava

c

: to expose to suspicion, discredit, or mischief

His reputation has been compromised.

2

: to adjust or settle by mutual concessions

An arbiter was brought in to compromise their differences.

3

obsolete : to bind by mutual agreement

compromiser

ˈkäm-prə-ˌmī-zər 

noun

Synonyms

Noun

• negotiation

Verb

• endanger
• threaten
• risk
• jeopardize

Examples of compromise in a Sentence

Noun

"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.

Verb

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

As a compromise, Nico has taken one of the lamps back and set it on the floor, shrouded with his own shirt. —David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025

In the short-term, this means coming to a compromise on the electoral system, and holding polls in a timely fashion next year. —Omar S Mahmood, Time, 24 Oct. 2025

Verb

While Adams denied any quid pro quo took place, New York Democrats have portrayed Adams as compromised by the president. —Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 23 Oct. 2025

Cold temperatures, low humidity and high-altitude sun exposure can all compromise your skin barrier. —Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

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

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1598, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

Phrases Containing compromise

• reach a compromise

Rhymes for compromise

• advertise
• aggrandize
• agonize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize

Kids Definition

compromise

1 of 2 noun

com·​pro·​mise ˈkäm-prə-ˌmīz 

1

: a settlement of a dispute by each party giving up some demands

2

: a giving up to something that is wrong or degrading : surrender

a compromise of one's principles

3

: the thing agreed upon as a result of a compromise

compromise

2 of 2 verb

compromised; compromising

1

: to adjust or settle differences by means of a compromise

2

: to expose to disgrace, suspicion, or danger

compromised his reputation

compromise security

compromiser noun

Medical Definition

compromise

1 of 2 transitive verb

com·​pro·​mise ˈkäm-prə-ˌmīz 

compromised; compromising

: to cause the impairment of

certain chemical agents may compromise placental function

a compromised immune system

compromise

2 of 2 noun

: the condition of having been compromised : impairment

cardiovascular compromise

patients at risk for airway compromise

—David Jaffe et al.

Legal Definition

compromise

1 of 2 noun

com·​pro·​mise

: an agreement resolving differences by mutual concessions especially to prevent or end a lawsuit

compromise

2 of 2 verb

compromised; compromising

transitive verb

: to resolve or dispose of by a compromise

cases in which a dispute is compromised

—E. A. Farnsworth and W. F. Young

intransitive verb

: to enter into a compromise