Compromising
/ˈkɒmprəmaɪzɪŋ/
Definitions
2 meaningsWilling to make concessions or accept a less favorable outcome in order to achieve a settlement or agreement.
/ˈkɒmprəmaɪzɪŋ/
Willing to make concessions
He had a compromising attitude in the meeting.
💡 Simply: Imagine you and a friend are sharing a pizza. Compromising means both of you are willing to give a little bit of what you want, so you can both have pizza without arguing.
👶 For kids: Giving a little bit of what you want so everyone is happy.
More Examples
Her position on the issue was quite compromising.
How It's Used
"The team adopted a compromising attitude during the contract negotiations."
Putting something or someone at risk; jeopardizing.
/ˈkɒmprəmaɪzɪŋ/
In the act of compromising
His behavior was compromising his career.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're holding a secret. Compromising that secret means you risk telling someone, even accidentally, which could have bad consequences.
👶 For kids: Making something dangerous or bad happen.
More Examples
She was in a compromising situation.
How It's Used
"His actions were compromising his reputation."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
make a compromise
To reach an agreement by making concessions.
"They made a compromise to settle the dispute."
From Middle English *compromissen, from Anglo-Norman French compromiss-, stem of compromiss(e)re, from Latin compromittere 'to submit to arbitration', from com- 'together' + promittere 'to promise'.
The word has evolved from its original legal meaning of 'submitting to arbitration' to its broader modern usage.
Memory tip
Think 'coming to a compromise' - it's about meeting in the middle.
Word Origin
"To promise together"