What does concession mean?
A thing conceded or granted in response to demands, especially during negotiation or argument; also, the act of yielding or admitting something to be true.
- A thing granted or yielded in response to demand, especially in negotiation.
- The act of admitting or acknowledging something to be true.
- (British English) A reduction in price for certain groups such as students or pensioners.
- (US) A business or right granted by a government or authority to operate in a particular area (e.g. a food stall).
"After weeks of deadlock, the union won a major concession on pay from the company."
"Both sides made significant concessions before finally reaching an agreement."
"The candidate's concession speech was gracious and brief."
Standard plural; frequently used when multiple items are granted.
"The treaty included several territorial concessions."
Concession comes from Latin concedere — literally 'to give way, to yield' — the same root that gives us 'cessation' and even 'secession'.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of concession
From Latin 'concedere' ('to yield, grant'), formed from 'con-' ('together') plus 'cedere' ('to go, yield'). The word entered English in the early 17th century via Old French 'concession', retaining its sense of granting or yielding something under pressure.
Related word forms
How concession is actually used
Formal to neutral register; common in political and commercial contexts.
Easily confused with concession
Cession is the formal surrender of territory or rights (from Latin cedere), while concession is a broader term for any granted concession or admission.