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

After nearly a year of negotiations, the WNBA Board of Governors officially approved the sale of the Connecticut Sun to Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta and the franchise’s relocation to Houston for the 2027 season. —Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 13 May 2026

The talks have centered around Gotham joining for the 2028 NWSL season, said the people, who were granted anonymity because the negotiations are private. —Scott Soshnick, Sportico.com, 13 May 2026

This rally will be reversed if this ceasefire and negotiations fail. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 13 May 2026

Union workers have been locked out since March 17, and the parties are scheduled to return to negotiations on May 18. —Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 13 May 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