What does negotiation mean?
Negotiation is the process of discussing and bargaining in order to reach an agreement. It commonly appears in formal or institutional settings, including diplomacy, labor relations, law, business, and the settlement of disputes, but it can also describe less formal conversations about salary, responsibilities, or personal plans. The word usually implies that the participants have different interests or positions and that compromise may be necessary. A negotiation can be long, difficult, unsuccessful, or successful, and it is often understood as an organized process rather than a single exchange. The term also carries a practical implication: negotiation is not merely talking, but using discussion to settle terms or resolve differences. Its Latin roots connect it with the idea of conducting business, which explains why the word can describe both commercial dealings and broader efforts to reach agreement.
nounNegotiation is a discussion or process of bargaining intended to reach an agreement. It may involve two or more people, organizations, or governments, and can concern matters such as prices, working conditions, disputes, or international relations.
- A process of discussion and bargaining in order to reach an agreement.
- An instance or round of talks conducted for the purpose of settling a dispute or arranging terms.
"The two governments agreed to resume negotiations on trade and security."
"The union and management entered into negotiations over wages and working hours."
"Successful negotiation depends as much on listening as on making a persuasive argument."
"After several days of negotiations, the two sides finally reached a settlement."
The plural is used when referring to talks as a whole, to a series of bargaining sessions, or to negotiations occurring in several contexts.
"The parties resumed negotiations after a brief interruption."
Negotiation began as the art of doing business: the Latin root means “to conduct business,” not merely to talk.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does negotiation come from?
Negotiation comes through French from Latin negotiationem, a noun formed from negotiari, “to do business” or “to conduct business.” The related Latin noun negotium referred to business, trade, or an occupation. The word entered English during the early modern period, and negotiate, negotiable, and negotiator developed from the same root.
Related word forms
How negotiation is actually used
The word is formal and often suggests a structured process, whether between opponents, representatives, or governments. It is also used in everyday contexts such as salary discussions and personal arrangements.
Easily confused with negotiation
Negotiation is the process of bargaining to reach an agreement, whereas negation is the act of denying or contradicting a statement.