Definition

Adjective: 1. Not open to discussion or modification; not able to be changed or bargained over: Describes a condition, term, or principle that is fixed and must be accepted without alteration. 2. Cannot be bought or sold; not transferable: Describes an item, right, or quality that is not available for commercial transaction or transfer of ownership.

Usage

• Used to describe fixed rules, essential requirements, or fundamental principles that are not subject to compromise.
• Used to describe assets, instruments, or rights that are not legally or practically able to be traded.

Examples

• As a fixed condition:
  • Punctuality is a non-negotiable requirement for this job.
  • The safety of our employees is non-negotiable.
• As a non-transferable item:
  • This ticket is non-negotiable and cannot be resold.
  • The bond was non-negotiable, meaning it could not be sold on the open market.

Advanced Usage

• In formal agreements: Often used in contracts to specify clauses that are absolute.
  • Clause 7.1 regarding confidentiality is non-negotiable.
• In ethical or moral contexts: Used to describe inviolable personal or organizational values.
  • For our company, integrity is a non-negotiable core value.

Variants and Related Words

• Negotiable (Adjective): Open to discussion or modification; able to be transferred or sold.
  • The price is negotiable.
  • A negotiable instrument like a check.

Synonyms

• Absolute
• Inflexible
• Unbending
• Non-transferable (for the financial/legal sense)
• Mandatory

Antonyms

• Negotiable
• Flexible
• Debatable
• Transferable

Related Phrases

• Take-it-or-leave-it: An offer presented as final, with no room for negotiation.
  • The deal was presented on a take-it-or-leave-it basis; the terms were non-negotiable.
• Set in stone: Fixed and unchangeable.
  • The deadline is set in stone and is non-negotiable.

Adjective

1. cannot be bought or sold