ENGLISH
REFERENCE

compromising

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈkɑmpɹəˌmaɪzɪŋ// UK //kˈɒmpɹəmˌaɪzɪŋ// com·pro·mis·ing

adj. describing a situation that makes someone look bad or reveals a secret. You use this when something might damage a person's reputation.

adj. revealing information or circumstances that are prejudicial to one's reputation or interests. Often used to describe evidence, photos, or positions that suggest wrongdoing or weakness.


SIMPLE

The politician was found in a compromising position.

CONTEXTUAL

She deleted the compromising emails before the investigation began to protect her professional standing.

COMPLEX

The leaked documents contained several compromising details regarding the firm's offshore accounts, leading to an immediate collapse in investor confidence and a series of high-level resignations.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

Typically used attributively before a noun like 'position', 'situation', or 'evidence'.

Pitfall

The situation was compromised.The situation was compromising.Learners often use the past participle 'compromised' (meaning damaged) when they mean the present participle 'compromising' (meaning damaging to reputation).

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