compromise

1 of 2

noun

com·​pro·​mise ˈkäm-prə-ˌmīz How to pronounce compromise (audio)
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 noun

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
With no room for compromise on taxes, the wealth gap may remain unchanged, and any significant redistribution of wealth would stall. Axios, 17 Oct. 2024 Fifty-three percent of victims reported simple identity compromises, and 78% of compromises were attributed to scams, with job scams seeing a dramatic 118% increase in 2023. Adam Singer, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024
Verb
In the event of a device being compromised, users can switch devices and continue accessing the service. Amir Elichai, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024 Deploying Treinen or Phillips on Friday could have compromised their availability or performance in those games. Dylan Hernández, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for compromise 

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

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of compromise was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near compromise

Cite this Entry

“Compromise.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compromise. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

compromise

1 of 2 noun
com·​pro·​mise ˈkäm-prə-ˌmīz How to pronounce compromise (audio)
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 How to pronounce compromise (audio)
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 compromiseDavid 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 compromisedE. A. Farnsworth and W. F. Young

intransitive verb

: to enter into a compromise

More from Merriam-Webster on compromise

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