Cool MateCompromise vs Concession
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Compromise
Concession
| Compromise | Concession | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈkɒmprəmaɪz/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈkɑːmprəmaɪz/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/kənˈseʃn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kənˈseʃn/"]/ |
| Meaning | An agreement where both sides give up something. | An agreement to allow something in order to reach a compromise. |
| Example | In negotiations, a compromise is often necessary to reach an agreement. | The government made a concession to the workers' demands in order to avoid a strike. |
| Register | Neutral | Formal |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 5,000 (fairly common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | C1 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun |
| Collocations | acceptable, fair, good, agree on, arrive at, come to, agreement, deal, formula, compromise between, compromise on, compromise over, acceptable, fair, good, agree on, arrive at, come to, agreement, deal, formula, compromise between, compromise on, compromise over, acceptable, fair, good, agree on, arrive at, come to, agreement, deal, formula, compromise between, compromise on, compromise over | important, key, major, grant (somebody/something), make, offer (somebody/something), concession on, concession to, make no concessions to somebody/something, important, key, major, grant (somebody/something), make, offer (somebody/something), concession on, concession to, make no concessions to somebody/something, tax, travel, be available to, trade, logging, oil, grant (somebody/something), obtain, secure, trade, logging, oil, grant (somebody/something), obtain, secure |
| Antonyms | standoff, impasse, deadlock | refusal, denial |
| Common mistakes | Confusing with 'compromise' as a noun and verb., Using 'compromised' instead of 'compromise' when describing the action., 'Compromise on' vs 'compromise with' can confuse learners. | Confused with 'confession' which has a different meaning., Using 'concession' in informal conversations where simpler terms might fit better., Mispronouncing it as 'con-cession' instead of 'con-cess-ion'. |
| Usage notes | Typically used in discussions where parties negotiate. It's formal enough for business or serious situations, but it can also be used informally among friends. Avoid in very casual or slang contexts. | Typically used in formal contexts such as negotiations, debates, or discussions. It may sound out of place in casual conversations. |
Frequently asked questions: Compromise vs Concession
What's the difference between Compromise and Concession?
Compromise: An agreement where both sides give up something. Concession: An agreement to allow something in order to reach a compromise.
Which is more formal: Compromise and Concession?
Concession is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Compromise and Concession?
Compromise is the most common in everyday English.
Are Compromise and Concession the same CEFR level?
Compromise: C1, Concession: C1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Compromise and Concession?
Compromise: noun, Concession: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Compromise: In negotiations, a compromise is often necessary to reach an agreement. Concession: The government made a concession to the workers' demands in order to avoid a strike.
Can I use Compromise and Concession interchangeably?
Not always. Compromise and Concession are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.