# negotiation

/nɪˌɡoʊʃiˈeɪʃən/ (US) · /nɪɡˈəʊʃɪˈeɪʃən/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/negotiation
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

a formal discussion between people who are trying to reach an agreement. You use this when two sides have different goals but want to find a solution together.

For teachers: a formal discussion intended to produce an agreement or settlement between parties with differing interests. Often used in the plural to describe the process as a whole.

## Examples

- The contract is currently under negotiation.
- After weeks of intense negotiation, the two companies finally agreed on a fair price for the merger.
- The success of the peace treaty depended on a delicate negotiation of territorial boundaries that had been disputed for decades.

## Pitfalls

- Not "They are in negotiation about of the price" but "They are in negotiation over the price" — While 'about' is understood, 'over' or 'for' are the standard collocations when discussing the subject of the deal.

## Usage notes

- Often used with the prepositions 'with' (the party) and 'for' or 'over' (the object of the discussion).

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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.