negotiation

negotiation — noun

1. a process in which two or more sides discuss their different needs or demands, w

1.nounB2
Definition

a process in which two or more sides discuss their different needs or demands, with each side trying to find a solution that works for everyone

Example

The salary negotiation between Ritu and her manager took two weeks before both sides agreed.

compound noun: salary negotiation / price negotiation

The contract negotiation broke down because neither company would change its terms.

phrasal verb: break down — when negotiation fails

Common collocations
  • enter into negotiations
  • hold negotiations
  • conduct negotiations
  • break off negotiations
  • resume negotiations
  • under negotiation
  • negotiation process
  • negotiation skills
  • negotiation table
  • be in negotiation with
  • negotiation team
Synonyms
  • discussion

    broader term; any exchange of ideas, not necessarily with the goal of agreement

  • bargaining

    more informal, focused on give-and-take over prices or conditions in a commercial setting

  • talks

    more formal, commonly used for high-level political or diplomatic discussions

  • mediation

    involves a neutral third party who helps the two sides find common ground

Antonyms
  • deadlock

    a situation where negotiation stops because neither side will compromise

  • ultimatum

    a final demand that leaves no room for discussion or compromise

Grammar Patterns

negotiation + between + X + and + Y

negotiation + of + noun phrase

under negotiation

Usage Note

Negotiation can be used as both a countable noun (a negotiation, two negotiations) when referring to specific rounds or sessions, and an uncountable noun (negotiation is a slow process) when describing the general activity. The plural form negotiations is common for multi-stage talks: 'trade negotiations,' 'peace negotiations.'

Common Mistakes

We had a negotiation, but nobody changed their position.
We had a negotiation, and after some give-and-take both sides accepted the deal.
a negotiation implies compromise and movement from original positions; if no change occurred, the word discussion is more appropriate.
I need to make a negotiation with my boss about my salary.
I need to hold negotiations with my boss about my salary.
native speakers typically use hold, enter, or conduct negotiations rather than make a negotiation.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

While all four words involve people talking to each other, they differ in formality and purpose. Discussion is the broadest term — it covers any exchange of ideas, with or without a goal. Bargaining is more informal and focuses on give-and-take over prices or conditions, as in a market or a garage sale. Talks is a formal, journalistic term used mostly for high-level political or diplomatic meetings between officials. Mediation brings in a neutral third party who helps the disputing sides communicate when direct negotiation has stalled. For example: 'The staff held discussions about the new schedule' (exploring ideas, not bargaining). 'Drivers engaged in bargaining over fares at the train station' (haggling). 'The two presidents held peace talks in Geneva' (formal diplomacy). 'The labour dispute went to mediation when both sides refused to meet directly' (third-party help).

discussion ↗bargaining ↗talksmediation ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • enter into negotiation
  • break off negotiation
  • under negotiation
  • in negotiation with
  • negotiation and mediation

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Negotiation comes from the Latin word negotiatio, meaning 'business' or 'trade.' The Romans built it from nec ('not') plus otium ('leisure, free time') — so literally 'not leisure,' or 'work that must be done.' The word travelled through French in the 1500s before entering English, where it originally referred only to commercial dealings. Over the centuries its meaning broadened to cover any conversation aimed at reaching an agreement, from labour contracts to international peace deals.