cannot be compromised

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cannot be compromised" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to emphasize that something is absolute and cannot be open to negotiation or alteration in any way. For example, "The safety of the workers must not be compromised under any circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

A couple of issues comes out of this development (1) Chinese maritime economic interests cannot be compromised and (2) China is taking a more assertive role in international affairs without compromising its foreign policy principle of non-interference in internal affairs (Andrew and Strange 2013, p. 3).

Bandung: Journal of the Global South

Safety cannot be compromised".

The New York Times - Sports

It cannot be compromised.

The New York Times

That credibility cannot be compromised in this instance.

The New York Times

Desires that cannot be compromised have always existed; now they are on the surface, and raw.

The New York Times

The companies envision a brokerage that cannot be compromised by investment banking.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

It cannot and will not be compromised".

BBC

Even their health may be compromised when they cannot recognize medications or labels or when they lose interest in cooking because the microwave panel or stove dials are indiscernible".

The New York Times - Health

"They create a diversion so the security staff are all worried about the availability of the website and at the same time the victim whose account is being compromised cannot login and check their balance," he said.

BBC

"One thing we cannot do is compromise," he said.

The New York Times

"Planning for these events is a better practice than assuming devices cannot be physically compromised by hackers because that's obviously not the case," he said.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cannot be compromised" to clearly indicate an absolute requirement or condition that must not be violated. This emphasizes the critical nature of the element being protected.

Common error

Avoid using "cannot be compromised" for minor issues or preferences. Its strong emphasis is best reserved for situations involving fundamental principles, safety, or core values, otherwise the sentence may sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot be compromised" functions as a passive construction, indicating something that is not allowed to be weakened or put at risk. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to emphasize the absolute nature of a requirement or principle.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot be compromised" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression that signals an absolute requirement or principle that must not be violated. As Ludwig AI points out, its role is to emphasize the critical importance of maintaining something intact. Predominantly found in formal contexts such as News & Media and scientific writing, its authoritative tone makes it ideal for conveying the non-negotiable nature of essential values, safety measures, or ethical considerations. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations where a strong, unwavering stance is necessary to avoid overuse and maintain its impact. Alternatives like "must be maintained" or "is non-negotiable" can offer similar meanings with subtle differences in emphasis. In essence, understanding the function and proper context of "cannot be compromised" is essential for effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not subject to compromise

A more formal and explicit way of stating that something cannot be compromised.

must be maintained

Emphasizes the need for upkeep and preservation, shifting the focus from potential threats to active care.

must be preserved

Highlights the importance of keeping something intact, often with historical or cultural significance.

must be upheld

Focuses on adhering to a standard or principle, suggesting a moral or legal obligation.

must be safeguarded

Stresses the need for protection against potential dangers or risks.

is non-negotiable

Indicates that something is not open to discussion or modification, emphasizing its fixed nature.

is inviolable

Suggests that something is sacred and must not be violated or infringed upon.

is sacrosanct

Similar to inviolable, emphasizing the holiness or utmost importance of something.

is off limits

Implies a restriction or boundary that must not be crossed or violated.

remains absolute

Highlights the unwavering and unconditional nature of something.

FAQs

How to use "cannot be compromised" in a sentence?

Use "cannot be compromised" to emphasize that something is an absolute requirement and must not be violated. For instance, "The confidentiality of patient data "cannot be compromised"".

What can I say instead of "cannot be compromised"?

Alternatives include "must be maintained", "must be preserved", or "is non-negotiable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "can't be compromised"?

Yes, "can't be compromised" is an acceptable contraction of "cannot be compromised". Both phrases carry the same meaning, although "cannot" may be perceived as slightly more formal.

What's the difference between "cannot be compromised" and "should not be compromised"?

"Cannot be compromised" indicates an absolute prohibition, while "should not be compromised" suggests a strong recommendation against it, but allows for the possibility under certain circumstances.