Negotiating is an essential skill in Business. It is hard enough already. However, without the correct language to help you get the best deal, you will struggle even more. Please see our English for negotiations vocabulary to help you understand how to navigate a negotiation.
Beginner
Word
Definition
Example Sentence
Deal
An agreement between two or more parties.
We made a deal to buy the car for $5,000.
Price
The amount of money something costs.
The price of the phone is too high for me.
Offer
A proposal to give or receive something.
She made an offer to sell her bike for $100.
Agree
To accept a proposal or idea.
We agreed on a price for the house.
Disagree
To not accept a proposal or idea.
They disagreed about the terms of the contract.
Discount
A reduction in price.
The store is offering a 10% discount this week.
Terms
The conditions of an agreement.
We need to discuss the terms before signing the contract.
Contract
A written or spoken agreement.
Both parties signed the contract yesterday.
Counteroffer
A new offer made in response to another offer.
He rejected the first price and made a counteroffer.
Compromise
When both sides give up something to reach an agreement.
They reached a compromise to split the cost.
Beginner English For Negotiations
Intermediate English For Negotiations
Word
Definition
Example Sentence
Bargain
To negotiate for a better deal.
He tried to bargain for a lower rent.
Concession
Something given up to reach an agreement.
The company made a concession to lower the price.
Leverage
The power to influence negotiations.
They used their strong market position as leverage.
Proposal
A formal suggestion or offer.
The manager reviewed our proposal carefully.
Settlement
A final agreement after negotiation.
Both sides reached a settlement after long talks.
Haggle
To argue over price or terms.
At the market, we haggled over the price of the watch.
Ultimatum
A final demand with consequences.
They gave an ultimatum: accept the deal or walk away.
Mutual
Shared by both parties.
The contract was based on mutual trust.
Mediation
When a third party helps resolve a dispute.
A lawyer was called in for mediation between the two sides.
Compelling
Persuasive or convincing.
He gave a compelling reason to lower the cost.
Intermediate English For Negotiations
Advanced
Word
Definition
Example Sentence
Arbitration
A legal process where a neutral third party settles a dispute.
The contract requires arbitration for resolving conflicts.
Deadlock
A situation where no progress can be made.
The talks reached a deadlock over pricing issues.
Good faith
Honest intentions in a negotiation.
Both sides must negotiate in good faith to reach a deal.
Repercussions
Unintended negative consequences of a decision.
The company feared the repercussions of rejecting the offer.
Trade-off
A compromise where one benefit is exchanged for another.
The trade-off between price and quality was carefully considered.
BATNA
Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement – the best option if a deal isn’t reached.
Knowing your BATNA gives you more negotiating power.
Binding
Legally or formally enforceable.
The agreement is binding once both parties sign it.
Stalemate
A situation where neither side can win.
After hours of discussion, the negotiation ended in a stalemate.
Contingency
A future event that is possible but not certain.
The contract includes a contingency plan for delays.
Endgame
The final stage of a negotiation or strategy.
We need to consider our endgame before making a counteroffer.
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