negotiable

adjective

ne·​go·​tia·​ble ni-ˈgō-sh(ē-)ə-bəl 

: capable of being negotiated: such as

a

: transferable from one person to another by being delivered with or without endorsement (see endorse sense 1d) so that the title passes to the transferee (see transferee sense 1)

negotiable securities

b

: capable of being traversed, dealt with, or accomplished

a difficult but negotiable road

some kind of agreement was negotiable

c

: open to discussion or dispute

The terms of the contract are negotiable.

The price was not negotiable.

negotiability

ni-ˌgō-sh(ē-)ə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

Synonyms

• navigable
• passable

Examples of negotiable in a Sentence

The terms of the contract are negotiable.

The price was not negotiable.

a rough but negotiable road

Recent Examples on the Web

Falling sentiment could mean softening prices and more negotiable sellers while rising sentiment could mean today’s prices are tomorrow’s deal. —John Walkup, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024

Here are etiquette rules that professional minders of Ps and Qs say might be negotiable these days. —Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 21 Nov. 2024

Why This Hack Is Dangerous The height requirements put into place for rides are not negotiable. —Tanay Howard, Parents, 12 Aug. 2024

Agents must also make clear in this contract that broker commissions are fully negotiable, a change that consumer advocates hope will drive commissions—and prices—down. —Alana Semuels, TIME, 5 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

negoti(ate) + -able, perhaps after French négociable

First Known Use

1758, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

negotiable

adjective

ne·​go·​tia·​ble ni-ˈgō-sh(ē-)ə-bəl 

: capable of being negotiated: as

a

: capable of being passed from one person to another without being signed in return for something of equal value

negotiable bonds

b

: capable of being traveled over, dealt with, or accomplished

negotiable roads

some kind of agreement was negotiable

c

: open to discussion or change

negotiable prices

negotiability

-ˌgō-sh(ē-)ə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

noun

Legal Definition

negotiable

adjective

ne·​go·​tia·​ble ni-ˈgō-shə-bəl 

: capable of being negotiated

especially : transferable from one party to another by delivery with or without endorsement so that title passes to the transferee

negotiable securities

a negotiable certificate of deposit

see also negotiable instrument

negotiability

ni-ˌgō-shə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun