English Reference

Word

bargaining

Phoneticsbar·gain·ing

US/ˈbɑɹɡɪnɪŋ/

UK/bˈɑːɡɪnɪŋ/

Definitions

01negotiating a deal

B2

n. the act of discussing a price or agreement to reach a deal that is good for you.

n. the process of negotiation aimed at reaching an agreement or settlement, often involving compromise on price or conditions.

“After much bargaining, we finally agreed on a price for the used car.”

“The success of the merger depended on intense bargaining over the distribution of executive power and shareholder dividends.”

Usage

Often used in the phrase 'collective bargaining' in the context of labour unions.

Synonyms

negotiationhagglingwheeling and dealing

02labour relations

B2 · Law

n. discussions between workers and employers about pay and working conditions.

n. the formal process of negotiation between an employer and a group of employees, usually represented by a trade union.

“The union is currently in bargaining with the company for better health benefits.”

“Collective bargaining remains the primary mechanism through which industrial workers secure wage increases and improved safety standards.”

Academic · Formal

Usage

Commonly appears as 'collective bargaining'.

Real-World Examples

“Weeks of intense talks failed to produce a deal when Canada walked away from the bargaining table after a number of last-minute additions by the White House.”
Toronto Sun · 25 Aug 2026
“The bargaining was “intense” and taking too long so he picked up the phone and called Dubas himself: if he really wanted him, why wouldn’t he pay him the $11 million?”
Toronto Sun · 18 Aug 2026

Word family

bargainNounbargainingNoun

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

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