no negotiation

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   A firm position that something cannot be discussed or changed; a refusal to talk about terms.

   Grammar: Usually used after 'be' or 'there is/are'; often followed by 'on' or 'with'.

   Patterns

   • be no negotiation on something
   • there is no negotiation with someone
   • no negotiation on something

   The union said there would be no negotiation on pay before the strike.

   The government's position is clear: no negotiation with armed groups.

   She made it plain that there was no negotiation on the deadline.

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   A situation in which neither side is willing to discuss or compromise.

   Grammar: Often used as a noun phrase after 'a' or 'the', meaning a complete absence of talks.

   Patterns

   • a policy of no negotiation
   • a stance of no negotiation
   • mean no negotiation

   Their policy of no negotiation has made the conflict worse.

   After months of no negotiation, both sides finally agreed to meet.

   The president's stance of no negotiation surprised even his allies.

3. 3phrasefixed phraseformal

   Used as a heading or instruction meaning that bargaining is not allowed.

   Grammar: Common in signs, rules, or formal statements; stands alone or follows a noun.

   Patterns

   • no negotiation (as a rule)
   • a no-negotiation policy
   • no negotiation allowed

   The contract includes a no-negotiation clause for the first year.

   The notice on the door said 'No negotiation on listed prices.'

   They adopted a no-negotiation rule for all future talks.

Common combinations

no negotiation on something

There will be no negotiation on the safety rules.

a no-negotiation policy

The company adopted a no-negotiation policy for refunds.

there is no negotiation

There is no negotiation about the final price.

refuse negotiation

Both sides continue to refuse negotiation.

rule out negotiation

The minister ruled out negotiation until the attacks stop.

Synonyms and how they differ

non-negotiable

An adjective meaning not open to discussion; use it before a noun, as in 'a non-negotiable demand'.

no deal

Refers to the absence of an agreement, not to a refusal to talk.

deadlock

A state where talks have stopped because neither side will move; it describes the situation, not the refusal itself.

Opposites

Word family

negotiate verb

To discuss something in order to reach an agreement.

negotiation noun

The process of discussing terms to reach an agreement.

negotiator noun

A person who takes part in talks to reach a deal.

negotiable adjective

Able to be discussed or changed.

Commonly confused: no negotiation or non-negotiable?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “no negotiation”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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