potential to compromise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "potential to compromise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing risks or vulnerabilities that may affect the integrity or security of something. Example: "The new policy has the potential to compromise our data security if not implemented carefully."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Nevertheless, Marsh's investments have the potential to compromise its independence as a broker with a duty to offer the best coverage at the best price to its clients.

The New York Times

While each of these violations was made in the best interest of individual patients, they also had the potential to compromise, and even negate, a trial's findings.

The New York Times - Health

Less clear is whether Mr. Snowden copied any other files before leaving Hawaii, and whether any of them have the potential to compromise American security interests.

The New York Times

But I view the current policies as overly accommodative, causing distortions and posing risks to financial stability and long-term inflation expectations, with the potential to compromise future growth.

The Guardian - Business

So we ask ourselves if we didn't have the money, how many people might die as a result – £250,000 from a well-known mining company can provide water and sanitation for a lot of people even if it has the potential to compromise our own brand.

The Guardian

His article includes a map showing the scale of the problem and a stunning photo from a report last August by the agency's inspector general about an office in Winston-Salem, N.C., that was so deluged with claims folders that they "appeared to have the potential to compromise the integrity of the building".

The New York Times

"Graphic details of the injuries have the potential to compromise the dignity of the deceased".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

This has potential to severely compromise clinical genomic utility, as indels are a major class of pathogenic variant, and are routinely and robustly detected by pre-NGS mutation detection methods, such as Sanger sequencing.

F1000Research

We studied AZD9773 (plus imipenem) effects in two mouse CLP models: a mild-grade model to explore the potential for AZD9773 to compromise mouse survival, and a severe-grade model to test AZD9773 efficacy.

Critical Care

Further, increased variability in thermal preference occurs in groups, demonstrating the potential for agonistic behaviors to compromise optimal thermoregulation in competitive situations, potentially leading to segregation, rather than aggregation.

Physiology & Behavior

PHOTOS: Celebrities by The Times One consultant, who spoke to The Times on condition of anonymity so as not to compromise potential relationships, said giant billboards for a documentary, for example, are considered gauche.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "potential to compromise", ensure the sentence clearly identifies what is at risk and what actions or factors pose the threat. This provides context and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid presenting the "potential to compromise" as a guaranteed outcome. The phrase indicates a possibility, not a certainty. Use qualifiers like 'may,' 'could,' or 'might' to maintain accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "potential to compromise" functions as a modifier describing a situation, action, or factor that could weaken or endanger something. As Ludwig AI suggests, it highlights a possible negative outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Social Media

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "potential to compromise" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase that signals a possible threat or vulnerability. Ludwig AI confirms this, highlighting its usage across various domains. While generally neutral in tone, its formality can vary depending on the context. When using this phrase, it's crucial to clearly identify both the risk factor and what is at stake. Alternatives like "risk of undermining" or "chance of jeopardizing" can provide nuanced alternatives depending on the specific meaning you want to convey. Being mindful of overstating the certainty of the outcome is also important to maintain accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

risk of undermining

Focuses on the possibility of weakening or diminishing something.

chance of jeopardizing

Highlights the possibility of putting something at risk.

threat to stability

Emphasizes the potential danger to the condition of being stable.

prospect of weakening

Suggests a likely future event where something becomes less effective.

possibility of endangering

Highlights the chance of putting something in danger.

likelihood of impairing

Focuses on the probability of damaging or weakening something.

danger of undermining

Highlights the risk of gradually weakening or destroying something.

risk of vitiating

Implies a risk of spoiling or impairing the quality or efficiency of something.

hazard to integrity

Points to a potential danger to the state of being whole or undivided.

liability to undermine

Suggests a tendency or predisposition to weaken something.

FAQs

How can I use "potential to compromise" in a sentence?

The phrase "potential to compromise" is used to indicate a possibility that something could weaken or endanger something else. For example, "The lack of security updates has the "potential to compromise" the entire system."

What can I say instead of "potential to compromise"?

You can use alternatives like "risk of undermining", "chance of jeopardizing", or "threat to stability" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "potential to compromise" or "risk of compromise"?

Both "potential to compromise" and "risk of compromise" are acceptable, but they carry slightly different nuances. "Potential to compromise" emphasizes the possibility, while "risk of compromise" highlights the inherent danger.

What's the difference between "potential to compromise" and "possibility of compromise"?

While both are similar, "potential to compromise" often implies an inherent capability or characteristic that allows for compromise, whereas "possibility of compromise" simply acknowledges that a compromise is not impossible.