compensatory
adj.adj. describing something that makes up for a loss or a bad situation. You use this to talk about a reward or a change that balances out a negative thing.
adj. serving to make up for a loss, deficiency, or disadvantage. Often describes a psychological or physical mechanism that counteracts an initial deficit.
The company offered a compensatory bonus for the extra work.
The athlete's compensatory movements during the race helped him maintain his speed despite the injury.
In many legal systems, a compensatory payment is required to restore the plaintiff to the financial position they were in before the accident occurred.
Last updated May 19, 2026