no-lose
Win either way
No-lose describes a situation where success is guaranteed regardless of outcome—you can't come out behind: It's a no-lose proposition; either we profit or we learn something valuable.
The term emphasizes that all possible results are acceptable or beneficial, the opposite of a no-win scenario.
Advantageous to both sides
- guaranteedPromised with certainty
- foolproofIncapable of failure
- risk-freeHaving no downside
- hedgedAvoided definite commitment
calculated · optimal · advantageous · strategic · secured · protected · insured · fail-safe
Agreement through mutual sacrifice
- concessionYielding a point
- agreementShared position between parties
- settlementResolved dispute or colony
- dealAgreement or distribution
terms · bargaining · mediation · resolution · consensus · give-and-take · middle-ground · partnership
win-win
Advantageous to both sides
- guaranteedPromised with certainty
- foolproofIncapable of failure
- risk-freeHaving no downside
hedged · calculated · optimal · advantageous · strategic · secured · protected · insured · fail-safe · contingency
compromise
Agreement through mutual sacrifice
- concessionYielding a point
- agreementShared position between parties
- settlementResolved dispute or colony
deal · terms · bargaining · mediation · resolution · consensus · give-and-take · middle-ground · partnership · collaboration
stalemate
Mutual obstruction preventing progress
impasse · standoff · even · split · push · scratch · wash · neutral · break-even · parlay
no-loseno-win
Lacking any favorable outcome
lose-lose · doomed · lost cause · fool's errand · negative