Meaning & use
negotiation
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Meanings
nouncountable or uncountable
A formal discussion between people or groups who are trying to reach an agreement.
Grammar: Countable when referring to a particular round of talks (a negotiation), uncountable when referring to the process in general (enter into negotiation).
Patterns
- negotiation with someone
- negotiation between A and B
- enter into negotiations
- under negotiation
The two companies are in negotiations over the price of the land.
After months of negotiation, they finally signed the contract.
The salary is still under negotiation.
noununcountable
The skill or activity of discussing to reach an agreement, especially in business or politics.
Grammar: Used as an uncountable noun when talking about the skill or field in general.
Patterns
- good at negotiation
- the art of negotiation
- negotiation skills
She is very good at negotiation and always gets a good deal.
The course covers the basics of negotiation and conflict resolution.
Successful negotiation requires patience and clear communication.
Word forms
| plural | negotiations |
|---|
Common combinations
- enter into negotiations
- The union agreed to enter into negotiations with management.
- peace negotiations
- Peace negotiations between the two countries resumed last week.
- contract negotiation
- Contract negotiation can take several weeks.
- under negotiation
- The terms of the deal are still under negotiation.
- a round of negotiations
- A new round of negotiations will begin on Monday.
Synonyms and how they differ
- discussion
- Discussion is a general exchange of ideas; negotiation specifically aims at reaching an agreement, often with give-and-take.
- bargaining
- Bargaining emphasizes haggling over terms, while negotiation can be broader and more formal.
- mediation
- Mediation involves a neutral third party helping others negotiate; negotiation is the direct talks between the parties themselves.
Word family
- negotiate verb
- To discuss something in order to reach an agreement.
- negotiator noun
- A person who takes part in negotiations.
- negotiable adjective
- Open to discussion or change; able to be agreed upon.
Commonly confused: negotiation or negotiation?
negotiation vs negotiation
Not to be confused with 'negation' (denial or contradiction) or 'negligence' (carelessness).
Practice
The two sides are still ______ negotiation over the final price.
Choose one answer.
The fixed phrase is 'under negotiation' meaning still being discussed. 'In negotiation' is possible but less common for an ongoing state; 'on' and 'at' do not fit this expression.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “negotiation”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.