negotiable

adjective

ne·​go·​tia·​ble ni-ˈgō-sh(ē-)ə-bəl How to pronounce negotiable (audio)
: capable of being negotiated: such as
a
: transferable from one person to another by being delivered with or without endorsement (see endorse sense 1d) so that the title passes to the transferee (see transferee sense 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.

Example Sentences

The terms of the contract are negotiable. The price was not negotiable. a rough but negotiable road
Recent Examples on the Web Biden has made clear that climate provisions from the Inflation Reduction Act are not negotiable but that permitting reforms regarding energy may be amendable. Jack Birle, Washington Examiner, 12 May 2023 Patrick said parts of the two chambers’ plans are negotiable, such as how deeply school-tax rates are cut or the $1.5 billion the Senate would spend to ease other types of taxes on business. Dallas News, 29 Apr. 2023 Perrone’s request included making the annual salary for fiscal years 2025 and 2026 negotiable, 30 vacation days instead of 26, and 40 sick days his first year then 18 days each contract year thereafter. Adria Watson, BostonGlobe.com, 7 Apr. 2023 The White House has refused to shift its position out of a belief that the country’s credit is not negotiable — and Republicans themselves have splintered at times over how to approach the fight. Tony Romm, Washington Post, 17 Apr. 2023 Most seem to agree that thin, tender slices are a must, but the specific cut of beef is negotiable. San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Feb. 2023 This fun feature is negotiable with the home's purchase. Brianna Griff, Chron, 29 Jan. 2023 Let the recruiter or hiring manager know your situation and simply ask if the range is negotiable. Time, 15 Nov. 2022 Aside from the pride that would have to be swallowed on both sides, how is this not a win-win for both teams (assuming the salary issues are simply not negotiable)? Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 10 Nov. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'negotiable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1758, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of negotiable was in 1758

Dictionary Entries Near negotiable

Cite this Entry

“Negotiable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/negotiable. Accessed 4 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

negotiable

adjective
ne·​go·​tia·​ble ni-ˈgō-sh(ē-)ə-bəl How to pronounce negotiable (audio)
: capable of being negotiated: as
a
: capable of being passed from one person to another without being signed in return for something of equal value
negotiable bonds
b
: capable of being traveled over, dealt with, or accomplished
negotiable roads
some kind of agreement was negotiable
c
: open to discussion or change
negotiable prices
negotiability noun

Legal Definition

negotiable

adjective
ne·​go·​tia·​ble ni-ˈgō-shə-bəl How to pronounce negotiable (audio)
: capable of being negotiated
especially : transferable from one party to another by delivery with or without endorsement so that title passes to the transferee
negotiable securities
a negotiable certificate of deposit
see also negotiable instrument
negotiability noun

More from Merriam-Webster on negotiable

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