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

The deal set out expectations for the next phase of negotiations, which will confront more complex topics, including the fate of Iran's nuclear program. — Terry Collins, USA Today, 24 June 2026

Since February, Chait has helped lead the district through labor negotiations, budget planning, and the successful completion of the 2025-26 school year, LAUSD officials said. — Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 24 June 2026

But an Iranian diplomat promptly rejected this, saying such a visit can only come after a final deal — a denial that highlighted the precariousness of the ongoing negotiations. — ABC News, 24 June 2026

No matter what Bedard or Blackhawks management say in public about contract negotiations, there can be no mistaking the scream of desperation emanating from the Byram acquisition. — Thomas Drance, New York Times, 24 June 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

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation