Compromise means making a deal between groups or people where each side agrees to give up some of what they want. During disagreements, compromise happens when people talk and find a solution that both sides accept, even if it means changing their original ideas. Finding the best compromise is an important challenge in areas like game theory and voting systems.

Studies show that poor compromises often happen when people do not realize that their goals might match those of the other side. This can lead to agreements that are not the best possible. Better results can often be found by carefully looking at what both sides want, especially if this is done early in discussions.

In problems that involve making decisions based on many different factors, the best compromise—called the solution closest to the ideal—can be found using the VIKOR method. This method helps choose a solution that gives the most benefit to the majority while causing the least disappointment to the other side.

Politics

In international politics, compromises are often discussed, including agreements with leaders who do not allow freedom, such as Neville Chamberlain's attempt to avoid conflict with Adolf Hitler. Margalit refers to these types of agreements as "rotten compromises." In the United States and other democratic countries, many politicians continue to campaign for reelection. Because of this, United States Ambassador to Germany Amy Gutmann and political scientist Dennis F. Thompson have noted that reaching agreements is more difficult. The challenge of making compromises in politics is an important topic in discussions about moral issues in politics.

When politicians are willing to work together, they can reduce partisan differences and anger. Politics is sometimes described as the "art of compromise." A survey by the American Survey Center shows that many Americans support political compromise.

Human relationships

In human relationships, "compromise" may not always make everyone happy because people often feel they gave up too much or received too little. Compromise is sometimes called "capitulation," which means giving in to another person's wishes, goals, or needs. Extremism is often seen as the opposite of compromise. Depending on the situation, compromise can be linked to ideas like balance and tolerance.