compromise quality

/ˈkɒmprəmaɪz ˈkwɒləti/
phrase★Intermediate
◆ What It Really Means
The act of reducing quality for cost, time, or resource savings.
Literal Meaning
To make a mutual concession regarding quality.
Literal Breakdown
compromiseto settle differences by mutual concessions+qualitythe standard of something as measured against other things of a similar kind
◇ Mental Image
A balance between cost and quality, where one is reduced to achieve the other.
◈ When to Use
A company decides to compromise quality by using cheaper materials to meet a tight deadline, potentially affecting the product's durability.
◉ Cultural Note
In business and manufacturing, compromising quality is often seen as a necessary evil when facing budget constraints or tight deadlines.
💼Business
formal

To reduce or lower the quality of a product, service, or process in order to save costs, time, or resources, often resulting in a less effective or inferior outcome.

The company decided to compromise quality by using cheaper materials to meet the tight deadline.

To save money, the manufacturer compromised quality by reducing the number of safety inspections.

💡

This phrase is often used in business, manufacturing, and engineering contexts where cost-cutting measures may lead to lower-quality products or services.

Collocations

compromise qualityto reduce quality for cost or time savingsquality compromisea reduction in quality due to external constraints

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

cut cornersphrase
to do something in a quick or cheap way that may result in lower quality
sacrifice qualityphrase
to give up quality for another benefit, such as cost or speed

💡Pro Tip

Avoid Compromising Quality

In business and manufacturing, compromising quality can lead to long-term reputational damage and customer dissatisfaction. Always weigh the risks before making quality compromises.

⚡Gold Rule

Quality Over Cost

While cost-saving measures are important, maintaining quality should be a priority to ensure customer satisfaction and brand reputation.

📖Word Origin

Derived from the verb 'compromise' (to settle differences by mutual concessions) and the noun 'quality' (the standard of something as measured against other things of a similar kind).

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is often used in professional or technical contexts where cost, time, or resource constraints may lead to a deliberate reduction in quality.

Word Breakdown

compromise
to settle differences by mutual concessions
verb
+
quality
the standard of something as measured against other things of a similar kind
noun
English Dictionary