Bargaining

/ˈbɑːɡənɪŋ/

nounIntermediate📊CommonProcess
2 meanings1 question

Definitions

2 meanings
1

The act of negotiating prices or terms in a transaction.

/ˈbɑːɡənɪŋ/

nounneutralIntermediate
Process

The process of negotiating.

The bargaining process was long and arduous.

💡 Simply: Talking to get a better deal.

More Examples

2

She was a skilled negotiator, a master of bargaining.

How It's Used

Business

"The bargaining between the union and management lasted for weeks."

Negotiation

"Successful bargaining requires compromise from both sides."

2

To negotiate, especially over the price of something.

/ˈbɑːɡənɪŋ/

verbneutralIntermediate
Action

To negotiate a price or terms.

We bargained for a better price on the car.

💡 Simply: To try to get a better price.

More Examples

2

They were bargaining over the terms of the contract.

How It's Used

Market

"She was bargaining hard to get a lower price."

Sales

"The salesperson was skillfully bargaining with the customer."

Tip:Imagine someone haggling at a market.

From Middle English *bargayning*, from Old North French *barganier*, from Frankish *bargan*, from Proto-Germanic *barganōn-, meaning 'an agreement, a transaction'.

The word has been used in similar contexts for centuries, referring to the process of negotiation and exchange.

Memory tip

Think of 'bartering' – a similar process of exchanging goods or services.

Word Origin

LanguageOld North French
Original meaning

"agreement, transaction"

bargaining powercollective bargainingbargaining chip

Common misspellings

barganingbarginingbargening

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written