WordValecompromise
an agreement reached by mutual concession
In more detail
1. (noun) an agreement in which each side accepts less than it wanted
2. (verb) to reach an agreement by making concessions
3. (verb) to put something at risk or damage its quality or integrity
Examples
- 1. The two countries reached a compromise and both withdrew their troops.
- 2. The company compromised with the workers by raising salaries by 5%.
- 3. Using cheap materials will compromise the durability of the building.
How to use compromise
As a noun, compromise refers to a mutual agreement where both parties give up something to reach settlement, commonly used in negotiation, politics, and conflict resolution. As a verb meaning to damage integrity or quality, it carries a negative tone and suggests something valuable has been weakened or jeopardized. The three meanings are distinct: agreement-focused, concession-focused, and damage-focused.
Common phrases
- reach a compromise
- strike a compromise
- make a compromise
- compromise solution
- compromise with someone on something
Synonyms
settlement · agreement · concession · middle ground · tradeoff
Opposites
victory · capitulation
Word family
compromised (adjective) · compromising (adjective) · uncompromising (adjective)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes use 'compromise' to mean simply 'give in' or 'concede' without the reciprocal element of mutual concession that true compromise implies.
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