Meaning & use
negotiations
Last updated
“negotiations” is a form of “negotiation”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
nounplural
formal discussions between people or groups who are trying to reach an agreement
Grammar: Used with plural verbs: The negotiations were difficult. Often with 'the': the negotiations between the two sides.
Patterns
- negotiations between A and B
- negotiations with someone
- negotiations over something
- enter into negotiations
The negotiations between the union and management lasted all night.
Peace negotiations have resumed after a long break.
They are in negotiations with a major buyer.
nounplural
the activity of discussing something in order to reach an agreement
Grammar: Can refer to the process in general: Negotiations are under way.
Patterns
- be in negotiations
- begin negotiations
- break off negotiations
The two countries are in negotiations over trade.
Negotiations broke down after only two hours.
She has years of experience in international negotiations.
Word forms
| singular | negotiation |
|---|---|
| plural | negotiations |
Common combinations
- enter into negotiations
- The company agreed to enter into negotiations with the workers.
- break off negotiations
- They broke off negotiations without reaching a deal.
- peace negotiations
- Peace negotiations are taking place in Geneva.
- contract negotiations
- Contract negotiations will begin next week.
- negotiations break down
- Negotiations broke down over pay.
Synonyms and how they differ
- talks
- More informal and often used in news reports; 'negotiations' is slightly more formal and suggests a formal process.
- discussions
- Broader; discussions may not aim at a formal agreement, while negotiations usually do.
Opposites
Word family
- negotiate verb
- to take part in formal discussions to reach an agreement
- negotiator noun
- a person who takes part in negotiations
- negotiable adjective
- able to be discussed or changed
Commonly confused: negotiations or negotiation?
negotiations vs negotiation
The singular form refers to one discussion or the general process; the plural 'negotiations' is more common when talking about a series of meetings.
Practice
Which sentence is correct?
Choose one answer.
'Negotiations' is plural, so it takes a plural verb: were. Option 0 uses a singular verb; option 2 mixes a singular noun with a plural verb; option 3 uses a singular verb with a plural noun.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “negotiations”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.