Definition

Bargaining (noun) The process of discussing something, especially a price or the terms of an agreement, in order to reach a mutually acceptable arrangement. It involves negotiation, discussion, and often compromise between parties.

Usage

Bargaining is used to describe the act or process of negotiating. It is most commonly associated with discussing prices but applies to any negotiation of terms. - Collective bargaining: Negotiations between employers and a group of employees (often a union) to determine working conditions and pay. - Plea bargaining: In law, negotiation between a defendant and a prosecutor where the defendant agrees to plead guilty in exchange for a lesser charge or a more lenient sentence. - Hard bargaining: Tough or aggressive negotiation where parties are unwilling to make many concessions.

Examples

• Noun:
  • After hours of bargaining, they finally agreed on a price for the car.
  • The union entered into bargaining with the company's management.
  • She is skilled at bargaining in the local market.

Advanced Usage

• "Bargaining chip": Something that is used as leverage or an advantage in a negotiation.
  • The information was used as a bargaining chip during the talks.
• "Bargaining position": The strength or advantage one has when entering a negotiation.
  • Their strong financial status put them in a good bargaining position.
• "Bargaining table": The metaphorical (or literal) place where negotiations are conducted.
  • Both sides returned to the bargaining table after the strike.

Variants and Related Words

• Bargain (verb/noun): To negotiate the terms of a deal; an agreement or a thing bought for a good price.
  • Verb: They managed to bargain the price down.
  • Noun: This coat was a real bargain.
• Bargainer (noun): A person who bargains or negotiates.

Synonyms

• Negotiation: Formal discussion to reach an agreement.
• Haggling: Energetic bargaining, especially over price.
• Dickering: Informal term for petty bargaining or haggling.

Related Phrases

• "Drive a hard bargain": To negotiate very firmly and effectively, giving little away.
  • Be careful, he's known to drive a hard bargain.
• "Into the bargain": In addition; besides.
  • He fixed the car and gave me a loaner into the bargain. (Note: This phrase uses "bargain" as a noun in an idiomatic sense, not directly related to the negotiation process of bargaining).

Noun

1. the negotiation of the terms of a transaction or agreement