26984 words

compromises

11 definitions • 19 examples
1
an agreement in an argument in which the people involved reduce their demands or change their opinion in order to agree:

Examples:

It is hoped that a compromise will be reached in today's talks.
The government has said that there will be no compromise with terrorists.
2
to accept that you will reduce your demands or change your opinion in order to reach an agreement with someone:

Examples:

Well, you want $400 and I say $300, so let's compromise at/on $350.
3
to allow your principles to be less strong or your standards or morals to be lower:

Examples:

Don't compromise your beliefs/principles for the sake of being accepted.
If we back down on this issue, our reputation will be compromised.
His political career ended when he compromised himself by accepting bribes.
4
to risk having a harmful effect on something:

Examples:

We would never compromise the safety of our passengers.
5
an agreement between two sides who have different opinions, in which each side gives up something it had wanted:

Examples:

Under the compromise, car manufacturers must use cleaner fuel but have more time to do it.
6

Examples:

7
to agree to give up something you want if the other side, which has different opinions from yours, gives up something it wants:

Examples:

Republicans were refusing to compromise on health-care legislation.
8
a situation in which the people or groups involved in an argument reduce their demands in order to reach an agreement:

Examples:

arrive at/come to/reach a compromise House and Senate staffers are working long hours to try to reach a compromise.
acceptable/good/reasonable compromise A deal will stick only if the vast majority of bondholders accept it as a reasonable compromise.
9
a solution to a problem that makes it possible for two or more opposite or different things to exist together:

Examples:

compromise between sth and sth This piece of equipment is the ideal compromise between power and portability.
10
to reduce your demands in order to reach an agreement:

Examples:

compromise (with sb) on sth They compromised with the HR department on the details of the appraisal system.
11
to risk harming something:

Examples:

compromise (on) sth 'I believe it can be done without compromising on safety or service,' he said.
His goal was to run a successful business without compromising his principles.

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