# bargaining

/ˈbɑɹɡɪnɪŋ/ (US) · /bˈɑːɡɪnɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bargaining
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. negotiating a deal

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. labour relations

noun · CEFR B2 · Academic · Formal

discussions between workers and employers about pay and working conditions.

For teachers: 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.

Usage: Commonly appears as 'collective bargaining'.

## Examples

- Bargaining is common in local markets.
- After several hours of bargaining, the two companies finally agreed on a fair price for the merger.
- The success of the collective bargaining process depends heavily on both parties entering the room with a clear understanding of their non-negotiable terms and their flexible goals.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.