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compromise Definition

com·pro·mise (käm′prə mīz′)

noun

  1. a settlement in which each side gives up some demands or makes concessions
    1. an adjustment of opposing principles, systems, etc. by modifying some aspects of each
    2. the result of such an adjustment
  3. something midway between two other things in quality, effect, etc.
    1. exposure, as of one's reputation, to danger, suspicion, or disrepute
    2. a weakening, as of one's principles

Etymology: ME & OFr compromis < LL compromissum, a compromise, mutual promise < L compromissus, pp. of compromittere, to make a mutual promise to abide by an arbiter's decision < com-, together + promittere, to promise

transitive verb -·mised′, -·mis′·ing

  1. to settle or adjust by concessions on both sides
  2. to lay open to danger, suspicion, or disrepute
  3. to weaken or give up (one's principles, ideals, etc.) as for reasons of expediency
  4. Med. to weaken or otherwise impair drugs that compromised his immune system

intransitive verb

to make a compromise or compromises

compromise Related Forms
com′·pro·mis′er noun
compromise Synonyms

compromise

n.

  1. The act of compromising

    give-and-take, bargaining, granting concessions, accommodation; see agreement 1.

  2. An action involving compromise, sense 1

    settlement, bargain, understanding, trade-off; see agreement 3.

compromise Synonyms

compromise

v.

  1. To make concessions

    settle, conciliate, find a middle ground; see agree, arbitrate, negotiate 1, yield 1.

  2. To lay open to suspicion or danger

    jeopardize, hazard, imperil, discredit; see endanger.

compromise Law Definition

n

An agreement between two or more parties to settle differences between them by mutual concessions.

n

The result of such concessions.

v

To end a dispute by compromise.

v

To adjust by concessions.

n

Something midway between two or more conflicting, different, or opposing things.

n

A partial payment made by a debtor in exchange for the creditor’s promise not to seek payment of the remainder owed or claimed.
compromise Telecom Definition
The negotiated settlement to a dispute in which at least some of the parties agree to accept less than they originally wanted.Typically, none of the parties that make concessions in the spirit of compromise is ecstatic about the settlement, but all can accept it.The standards-making process is characterized by compromise, with multiple manufacturers, governments, and other interested parties lobbying to enhance their individual positions and ultimately compromising on a specification that often is not the optimum technical solution, but is acceptable to a majority.
compromise Usage Examples

Object

  • integrity: I am sure you will have made a difference on a social level without compromising artistic integrity.
  • impartiality: Such inappropriate ministerial generosity seriously compromises the impartiality of the planning process.
  • emanation: This initial study was more recently updated by Markus G. Kuhn: Compromising emanations: eavesdropping risks of computer displays.
  • ability: Sustainable development meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
  • confidentiality: We shall keep what you tell us confidential, and refuse to act for anyone else if doing so could compromise that confidentiality.
  • effectiveness: The bottom line was that nothing would be done to compromise the operational effectiveness of the armed forces.

Converse of object

  • negotiate: However, even where a warrant for possession is issued, the parties can still negotiate a compromise to prevent eviction.
  • reach: To their credit the bandsmen did reach a compromise with the police.
  • scorn: Alarmed, the Trust tried to unload; militant womanhood, thoroughly aroused, scorned compromise.
  • suggest: For those who are thinking the whole " virtual invitation " is too drastic a change I suggest a compromise.
  • accept: However, we accepted a compromise in order to avoid something worse.

Adjective modifier

  • uneasy: Well after much diplomatic coming and going, a rather uneasy compromise was reached.
  • workable: The result seems to have been a very prosaic workable compromise between order and chaos.
  • fetal: Management Unfortunately the situation is analogous to diabetic pregnancies in that sudden stillbirth may occur without evidence of prior fetal compromise.
  • last-minute: The promised new body 6 to voters, were a last-minute compromise to facilitate Inkatha's late entry into the election.
  • sensible: I hope the Lords can promote a sensible compromise over hunting.
  • acceptable: Acceptable compromises are made, and user education or library orientation sessions make up for the shortcomings.

Modifies a noun

  • agreement: Employers using such clauses in compromise agreements therefore have a choice.

Preposition: with

  • imperialism: They seek compromises with British imperialism no matter what the price and lull the Indian masses with hopes of reforms from above.

Preposition: for

  • sake: South Africans, it seems, may well be asked to make yet a further historic compromise for the sake of the common good.
compromise Quotes

Compromise makes a good umbrella but a poor roof.

—Lowell,James Russell

Compromise used to mean that half a loaf was better than no bread. Among modern statesmen, it really seems to mean that half a loaf is better than a whole loaf.

—Chesterton, G(ilbert) K(eith)

The laws of cricket tell of the English love of compromise between a particular freedom and a general orderliness, or legality.

—Cardus, Sir Neville

All government, indeed every human benefit and enjoyment, every virtue and every prudent act, is founded on compromise and barter.

—Burke, Edmund

He never wants anything but what's right and fair, only when you come to settle what's right and fair, it's everything that hewantsandnothing that youwant. And that's his idea of a compromise.Give me the Brown compromise when I'm on his side.

—Hughes,Ted (Edward James)

The Soviets sought not a place in the sun, but the sun itself. Their objective was the world. They would not tolerate compromise on goals, only on tactics.

—Dulles,John Foster