Conflict is a natural part of any workplace. Effective conflict resolution is important for maintaining a healthy workplace environment. Understanding the vocabulary related to conflict helps individuals deal with disagreements constructively and find beneficial solutions. Please take a look at our workplace conflict and resolution vocabulary.
Beginner
| Word | Meaning | Example Sentence |
| Fight | To take part in a violent struggle involving physical force. | They had a fight over the project. |
| Argue | To give reasons or cite evidence in support of an idea, action, or theory, typically with the aim of persuading others to share one’s view. | They argue about the best approach. |
| Problem | A matter or situation regarded as unwelcome or harmful and needing to be dealt with and overcome. | We have a problem with the deadline. |
| Disagree | To have or express a different opinion. | We disagree on the solution. |
| Talk | To communicate or exchange ideas by spoken words. | Let’s talk about the issue. |
| Listen | To give one’s attention to a sound. | Please listen to each other. |
| Stop | To bring or come to an end. | We need to stop the argument. |
| Share | To have or use something at the same time as someone else. | Let’s share our ideas. |
| Fair | In accordance with the rules or standards; just or unbiased. | We need a fair solution. |
| Help | To give assistance or support to. | Let’s help each other. |
Intermediate Workplace Conflict and Resolution Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning | Example Sentence |
| Dispute | A disagreement, argument, or debate. | There is a dispute between the teams. |
| Conflict | A serious disagreement or argument. | The conflict needs to be resolved. |
| Negotiate | To obtain or bring about by discussion. | They need to negotiate a compromise. |
| Mediate | To intervene between people in a dispute in order to bring about an agreement or reconciliation. | We will mediate the discussion. |
| Compromise | An agreement or a settlement of a dispute that is reached by each side making concessions. | We need to find a compromise. |
| Tension | Mental or emotional strain. | There is a lot of tension in the office. |
| Resolve | To settle or find a solution to (a problem, dispute, or contentious matter). | We need to resolve the issue quickly. |
| Agreement | An arrangement, a promise, or a contract made with somebody. | We reached an agreement. |
| Misunderstanding | A failure to understand something correctly. | There was a misunderstanding between them. |
| Discuss | To talk about (something) with another person or group of people. | Let’s discuss the problem in detail. |
Advanced
| Word/Phrase | Meaning | Example Sentence |
| Arbitration | The use of an arbitrator to settle a dispute. | They agreed to arbitration to resolve the issue. |
| Conciliation | The action of stopping someone from being angry; placation. | Conciliation was necessary to mend the relationship. |
| Escalation | An increase in the intensity or seriousness of something; an intensification. | We need to prevent the escalation of the conflict. |
| De-escalate | To reduce the intensity of (a conflict or situation). | We need to de-escalate the situation immediately. |
| Impasse | A situation in which no progress is possible, especially because of disagreement; a deadlock. | The negotiation reached an impasse. |
| Grievance | A real or imagined wrong or other cause for complaint or protest. | He filed a grievance against his manager. |
| Reconciliation | The restoration of friendly relations. | Reconciliation is the goal of our meeting. |
| Stakeholder | A person with an interest or concern in something, especially a business. | We need to consider all stakeholder interests. |
| Mediation Process | A structured, interactive process where an impartial third party assists disputing parties in resolving conflict through specialized communication and negotiation techniques.2 | The mediation process was long, but effective. |
| Constructive Dialogue | A conversation aimed at finding a solution or reaching an understanding. | We need to have a constructive dialogue to move forward. |
We hope you enjoyed our workplace conflict and resolution vocabulary.
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