compromise

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'compromise' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when two sides have to find a middle ground between their differing opinions or interests. For example: "The two sides negotiated until they finally came to a compromise on how to move forward with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Northern Ireland secretary John Reid has until Saturday night to find a compromise between Sinn Fein and David Trimble's Ulster Unionists on decommissioning, police reform and demilitarisation, or again suspend the assembly (either indefinitely or for six weeks) or call fresh elections.

The Guardian

No compromise.

The Guardian

Because the rhetoric in no way reflected the reality of two and a half years of compromise.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sensing further instability, the vast majority of Greeks – led by the business sector – have urged the government to compromise, according to polls.

The Guardian

"We should not compromise our own interests to the extent of jeopardising the web of civilian and military exchanges that are at the heart of the relationship, or cut our aid program – intended to improve the lives of ordinary Indonesians.

The Guardian

Despite the warnings — House Speaker John Boehner said Obama called him last week to reiterate that there would be no compromise on the debt ceiling — Republican leaders refuse to take Obama at his word.

The Guardian

But privacy groups, sensing the prospect of losing one of their most reviled post-9/11 laws, were not in a mood to compromise on Friday.

The Guardian

Noel Kututwa, Amnesty's deputy director for Africa, said: "It appears the Zanu-PF supporters wanted to ensure that these women did not vote for the other parties and tried to compromise the secrecy of the ballot.

The Guardian

Republicans from more competitive districts, with a Cook PVI of R+2 or more Democratic, voted almost unanimously for the Senate compromise.

The Guardian

Yet the coalition agreement on political reform, while clearly a move forward in many fields as well as overall, remains a bit of a compromise between the coalition partners.

The Guardian - Opinion

They are about to own a compromise, not the best possible solution – and they are going to have to come to terms with the fact.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "compromise" to suggest a practical solution when conflicting interests or ideas exist.

Common error

Don't assume a "compromise" will fully satisfy everyone; it often involves partial satisfaction for all parties. Recognize that a successful compromise means some desires may be unmet.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "compromise" is to serve as both a noun, referring to an agreement reached through mutual concessions, and a verb, meaning to settle a dispute by making concessions. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Compromise" is a versatile term, functioning as both a noun and a verb, essential for resolving conflicts and reaching agreements through mutual concessions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Predominantly found in News & Media, "compromise" denotes a balanced approach to settling disputes. Alternatives such as "agreement" or "settlement" can be used depending on the context. Remember that a "compromise" doesn't guarantee complete satisfaction but aims for a mutually acceptable outcome. Use "compromise" effectively by ensuring willingness from all parties to make concessions for a practical solution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

find a middle ground

Highlights the process of identifying a position acceptable to all parties involved.

meet halfway

Emphasizes the reciprocal effort in moving towards a common point of agreement.

reach a settlement

Similar to reaching an agreement, but often used in legal or formal contexts.

reach an agreement

Focuses on the outcome of settling differences, emphasizing the mutual understanding achieved.

find a consensus

Emphasizes the collective agreement reached by all parties involved.

settle differences

Focuses on resolving disagreements, implying a formal or decisive resolution.

make concessions

Highlights the act of yielding on certain points to facilitate an agreement.

strike a balance

Suggests achieving equilibrium between conflicting interests or demands.

come to terms

Highlights the process of accepting and agreeing to specific conditions or arrangements.

accommodate each other

Focuses on the mutual adaptation and understanding required to reach an agreement.

FAQs

How to use "compromise" in a sentence?

You can use "compromise" as a noun, referring to an agreement reached through mutual concessions, or as a verb, meaning to settle a dispute by making concessions. For example, "They reached a "compromise" after hours of negotiation" or "Both sides had to "compromise" to end the conflict".

What can I say instead of "compromise"?

You can use alternatives like "agreement", "settlement", "middle ground", or "concession" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "compromise" and "settlement"?

"Compromise" implies mutual concessions, while "settlement" often refers to a more formal resolution, such as in a legal dispute, although there are not explicit concessions by both parties.

Is "compromise" always a positive thing?

While "compromise" generally aims for a mutually acceptable outcome, it can sometimes be seen negatively if one party feels they conceded too much or if the "compromise" leads to an undesirable outcome.