compromise

/ˈkɑmprəˌmaɪz/
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An agreement reached by concessions; to make such an agreement; or to put something at risk.

Examples

  • If neither side compromises, the talks will fail.
  • Neither group got everything it wanted from the compromise.
  • They compromised to keep the project alive.
  • Investigators found that several records had been compromised.
  • We had to compromise on the start date.

Similar words

expose
find middle ground
concession
negotiate
make concessions
settlement
jeopardize
middle ground
agreement
weaken

Meanings

Agreement through concessions

noun
negotiation
neutral
An agreement in which each side gives up some demands to settle a disagreement.

Examples

  • After weeks of talks, both sides reached a compromise.
  • The budget deal was a difficult compromise.
  • Would a compromise satisfy the workers?
  • Neither group got everything it wanted from the compromise.
  • They rejected the proposed compromise and resumed negotiations.

Similar words

Make concessions

verb
negotiation
neutral
To give up part of what one wants in order to reach agreement.

Examples

  • We had to compromise on the start date.
  • She would not compromise over safety.
  • Can both teams compromise on the design?
  • They compromised to keep the project alive.
  • If neither side compromises, the talks will fail.

Similar words

Put at risk

verb
risk
neutral
To weaken, endanger or expose something to loss or harm.

Examples

  • The leak compromised the investigation.
  • Using that password could compromise your account.
  • Did the delay compromise patient safety?
  • The scandal compromised his reputation.
  • Investigators found that several records had been compromised.

Similar words

Etymology

From Old French compromis, ultimately Latin compromittere, a mutual promise to accept arbitration. The sense of exposing something to risk developed later.

FAQ

What is a compromise?

An agreement reached when each side gives up part of what it wanted.

Can compromise be a verb?

Yes. People compromise when they make concessions to agree.

What does it mean to compromise security?

It means to weaken or endanger security.

Is compromise always positive?

No. An agreement may be useful, but compromised safety or data is harmful.

What is the origin of compromise?

It comes from a term for a mutual promise to accept an arbiter’s decision.

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