negotiation

noun

ne·​go·​ti·​a·​tion ni-ˌgō-shē-ˈā-shən 

nonstandard

-sē- 

: the action or process of negotiating or being negotiated

—often used in plural

Negotiations between the two governments have failed to produce an agreement.

Synonyms of negotiation

• compromise
• consensus

Examples of negotiation in a Sentence

We need a negotiation between the townspeople and mayor over the site of the new library.

She is skilled at negotiation.

The college president was against any negotiation with the students.

Recent Examples on the Web

Then there are the preparations, and behind-the-scenes negotiations, over the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, which have huge cost implications for the city. —David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2026

Lozano also confirmed during public negotiations that all employees were eligible. —Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 3 Jan. 2026

Five‑hour negotiation effort Miramar Fire Rescue rolled a stretcher away from the home on Juniper Street on Friday evening after officers negotiated with Jean for about five hours to get him to exit. —Nikiya Carrero, CBS News, 3 Jan. 2026

That could soon change as part of any negotiations between Washington and Caracas, where former Vice President Delcy Rodriguez is now in charge. —Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 3 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English negociacion "dealing with people," borrowed from Latin negōtiātiōn-, negōtiātiō "business, trade," from negōtiārī "to do business, trade, deal" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns — more at negotiate

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing negotiation

• in negotiation
• open to negotiation
• under negotiation

Rhymes for negotiation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration