negotiable

adjective ne·go·tia·ble \ ni-ˈgō-sh(ē-)ə-bəl \

Updated on: 20 Apr 2018

Definition of negotiable

: capable of being negotiated: such as

a : transferable from one person to another by being delivered with or without endorsement (see endorse 1d) so that the title passes to the transferee (see transferee 1)

negotiable securities

b : capable of being traversed, dealt with, or accomplished

a difficult but negotiable road

some kind of agreement was negotiable

c : open to discussion or dispute

The terms of the contract are negotiable.

The price was not negotiable.

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negotiability

play \ni-ˌgō-sh(ē-)ə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

See negotiable defined for English-language learners

See negotiable defined for kids

Examples of negotiable in a Sentence

The terms of the contract are negotiable.
The price was not negotiable.
a rough but negotiable road

Recent Examples of negotiable from the Web

Longevity is difficult to predict, obviously, particularly in a collegiate athletics landscape so dominated by football that conference affiliations and loyalty are all negotiable.

— bob ford, Philly.com, "Another Garden party for Villanova, Big East | Bob Ford," 7 Mar. 2018
That is not negotiable and should not change by city or state by state, though.

— Fox News, "Former hostage: FBI sacrificed my safety to track terrorists," 26 Mar. 2018
The lease term is negotiable, with the possibility of a long-term tenant.

— jeffery marino, latimes.com, "Looking to rent in luxury? These could be yours for six figures a month," 23 Mar. 2018
While the leagues have implied that 1 percent figure is negotiable, others have expressed concern that the fee could backfire.

— rick maese, chicagotribune.com, "Awaiting Supreme Court decision on gambling, pro sports leagues prepare for legal betting," 18 Mar. 2018
Since the lending marketplace is so competitive, terms may be negotiable.

— linda greenstein, BostonGlobe.com, "In today’s hot market, it pays to prequalify for mortgage," 16 Mar. 2018
Instead of being used as a negotiable instrument, checks are misused as a form of unauthorized credit.

— michael baldwin, Cincinnati.com, "Check kiting: Woman accused of forging $92K in checks involving person with disability," 14 Mar. 2018
The player then must share compensation directly with the university at a flat percentage that is non-negotiable and updated.

— gentry estes, The Courier-Journal, "Want to fix college basketball? NCAA must allow players to make money," 9 Mar. 2018
So the latest tariffs slapped on our trading partners may be negotiable for the US.

— joseph n. distefano, Philly.com, "Trump trade hawk Peter Navarro seeks to curb foreign power in U.S. economy," 8 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'negotiable.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of negotiable

negoti(ate) + -able, perhaps after French négociable

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1758

See Words from the same year

negotiable Synonyms

Financial Definition of NEGOTIABLE

negotiable

adjective

What It Is

Negotiable refers to an item that can be sold or transferred to another party as a form of unconditional payment. Negotiable also means that the terms of an agreement can be adjusted.

How It Works

A negotiable check given to one person can then be endorsed and may be used as a payment to a third party. Also, certain types of commercial paper securities or bonds may be negotiable (they may be signed by the bearer of the bonds and redeemed). The right to payment through a negotiable instrument, such as a currency or endorsed checks is determined based on possession.

According to the United States Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), an item is negotiable if it meets the following criteria: the promise to pay must be unconditional; the payment must be for a specific sum; payment must be made on demand; no further performance by any party is needed; and payment must be to the bearer of the negotiable instrument.
In terms of an agreement, the parties may be negotiating the terms of a contract or the scope of a project. For example, a proposal for work by a contractor at a certain fee may be negotiable. That is, the contractor may be willing to do more work or lower the price. A contract is usually negotiable until it is executed.

Why It Matters

Once a negotiable instrument is given to another party, it is payable unconditionally. Possession governs in almost every way; it is the functional equivalent to cash. On a balance sheet, negotiable instruments are classified as "cash or its equivalents." Under the US UCC regulations, letters of credit, bills of lading, most securities, deeds, and IOUs are not negotiable.

Source: Investing Answers

NEGOTIABLE Defined for English Language Learners

negotiable

adjective

Definition of negotiable for English Language Learners

: able to be discussed and changed before an agreement or decision is made
: able to be successfully traveled over
finance : able to be passed from one person to another in return for something of equal value

NEGOTIABLE Defined for Kids

negotiable

adjective ne·go·tia·ble \ ni-ˈgō-shə-bəl \

Definition of negotiable for Students

1 : able to be discussed in order to reach an agreement

a negotiable price

2 : able to be successfully dealt with or traveled over

negotiable roads

Law Dictionary

negotiable

adjective ne·go·tia·ble \ ni-ˈgō-shə-bəl \

legal Definition of negotiable

: capable of being negotiated; especially : transferable from one party to another by delivery with or without endorsement so that title passes to the transferee