compromising position

USAGE SUMMARY

"compromising position" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe any kind of situation in which someone's interests, values, or principles are conflicting or are in opposition to another's. For example, "She felt that she was in a compromising position as her boss was pressuring her to sign a contract that she found unethical."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The young man has been caught by his best friends in a seriously compromising position.

The New York Times

As an example, when the actors portray two characters in a sexually compromising position, the threat that someone will walk in on them doesn't exist.

The New York Times

And from Argentina came a request to remove an image of the country's president, showing her in a "compromising position," as Google called it.

The New York Times

He was not caught in a compromising position.

The New York Times - Sports

The passengers see her in a compromising position.

The New York Times

She makes eye contact with him while she happens to be in quite a compromising position.

The New York Times - Books

If you put yourself in a compromising position, it's your fault".

The New York Times

President Colom told me that the video "put the Vice-President in a compromising position".

The New Yorker

If raped, she somehow must have put herself in a compromising position.

The New York Times

The press suggested – erroneously – that Marianne had been found in a compromising position with a Mars bar.

The Guardian

They get to Vegas, get beat, hang with the wrong company, maybe you get them in a compromising position.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "compromising position" to accurately describe situations where someone's reputation, safety, or ethical standing is at risk. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is being compromised.

Common error

Avoid using "compromising position" for trivial or mildly inconvenient situations. The phrase implies a significant risk or ethical dilemma, so reserve it for contexts that warrant such gravity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "compromising position" functions as a noun phrase, with "compromising" acting as an adjective modifying the noun "position". It describes a state or situation that could be damaging or disadvantageous to someone. As noted by Ludwig, it is generally seen as a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Film

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "compromising position" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a vulnerable or risky situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, while providing numerous real-world examples. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, where it describes situations with ethical, reputational, or security implications. While generally neutral in register, it's important to reserve it for situations with appropriate seriousness, avoiding overuse in trivial contexts. Related phrases include "vulnerable situation" and "difficult spot", offering similar but nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

difficult spot

A more general term for a challenging situation.

vulnerable situation

Focuses on the vulnerability and potential for harm.

precarious circumstance

Highlights the dangerous and uncertain nature of the situation.

delicate situation

Suggests that the situation requires careful handling.

awkward predicament

Emphasizes the discomfort and social difficulty of the situation.

exposed situation

Highlights a lack of protection or defense.

in a bind

Implies being trapped or restricted.

untenable position

Emphasizes that the current situation cannot be maintained or defended.

tenuous standing

Highlights the instability and insecurity of one's status.

ethically challenging situation

Draws attention to the moral dilemmas involved.

FAQs

How can I use "compromising position" in a sentence?

You can use "compromising position" to describe a situation where someone is in a vulnerable or embarrassing situation, such as "The politician was caught in a compromising position with a lobbyist".

What's a less formal alternative to "compromising position"?

Depending on the context, you might use "difficult spot" or "awkward situation" as less formal alternatives.

Which is correct, "compromising position" or "compromised position"?

"Compromising position" describes a situation that puts someone at risk, while "compromised position" describes a position that has already been weakened or damaged. They have different meanings.

What are some situations that might be described as a "compromising position"?

Examples include being caught in an act that damages one's reputation, being pressured to act unethically, or being placed in a situation that endangers one's safety.