negotiation

American  

[ni-goh-shee-ey-shuhn, -see-] / nɪˌgoʊ ʃiˈeɪ ʃən, -si- /

noun

1. mutual discussion and arrangement of the terms of a transaction or agreement.

   the negotiation of a treaty.

2. the act or process of negotiating.

3. an instance or the result of negotiating.

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negotiation British  

/ nɪˌɡəʊʃɪˈeɪʃən /

noun

1. a discussion set up or intended to produce a settlement or agreement

2. the act or process of negotiating

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Other Word Forms

• nonnegotiation noun
• prenegotiation noun
• pronegotiation adjective

Etymology

Origin of negotiation

1570–80; < Latin negōtiātiōn- (stem of negōtiātiō ) a doing of business, equivalent to negōtiāt ( us ) ( negotiate ) + -iōn- -ion

Explanation

A negotiation is a business-oriented conversation where two sides argue, discuss, and compromise to reach some agreement. When you hear the word negotiation, you know there are two sides and they're willing to talk to each other. In sports, the owners and the players union go through a negotiation to get a new contract. Parents and kids might have a negotiation over curfew time. Negotiation implies that both sides are willing to give something up and compromise. If your side won't give an inch, then you're not ready for negotiation.

Example Sentences

In a statement, the Vatican said Leo and his top officials had discussed with Macron "conflicts around the world, expressing hope that peaceful coexistence can be re-established through dialogue and negotiation".

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

The millions of civilians in the Middle East who have been caught up in this conflict hope this negotiation will be the war's endgame.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

“We are proud of what we achieved in this negotiation, made possible by your support,” said WGA’s negotiating committee in a statement to members.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

“The president has set a deadline for about 12 hours from now in the United States. We’re going to find out but there’s going to be a lot of negotiation between now and then.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

In any nonviolent campaign there are four basic steps: collection of the facts to determine whether injustices exist; negotiation; self-purification; and direct action.

From "While the World Watched: A Birmingham Bombing Survivor Comes of Age during the Civil Rights Movement" by Carolyn Maull McKinstry

Related Words

• agreement
• arbitration
• compromise
• conference
• consultation
• debate
• diplomacy
• discussion
• intervention
• mediation
• meeting
• transaction