What does nonnegotiable mean?
Nonnegotiable describes something that cannot be changed through discussion, bargaining, or compromise. It is commonly applied to terms in contracts and agreements, demands in negotiations, and principles that a person or organization treats as absolute. For example, a government may describe the withdrawal of an occupied territory as nonnegotiable, while an employer may call a safety requirement nonnegotiable. The word combines the prefix non-, meaning “not,” with negotiable, meaning “open to negotiation.” Its use often conveys firmness and resistance to compromise, although it can also imply that the speaker is unwilling to consider an alternative. In everyday conversation, people may use it to stress that a particular condition has been settled and must be accepted. The related noun nonnegotiability refers to the quality or status of being fixed beyond negotiation.
Not subject to negotiation, compromise, or alteration.
"The two sides insisted that the border arrangement was nonnegotiable."
Often used with terms, demands, conditions, principles, and requirements.
A person, thing, or issue that cannot be negotiated or compromised.
"The team treated access to the records as a nonnegotiable."
This noun use is less common than the adjective use and is most natural in contexts involving demands or principles.
Used for matters or conditions that must be accepted and cannot be altered or compromised.
"The agreement lists several nonnegotiables, including full compensation for the work."
Some conditions are not merely difficult to negotiate—they are explicitly nonnegotiable.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of nonnegotiable
The word was formed by adding the prefix non- to negotiable, meaning open to negotiation or bargaining. Negotiable comes through French from Latin negotium, a word associated with business or commerce and ultimately with conducting transactions. The modern adjective developed in English during the 19th century, when the language increasingly used non- to form direct opposites.
Related word forms
How nonnegotiable is actually used
Common in formal, political, legal, and workplace contexts. It can sound firm and uncompromising, but is also used to emphasize that a principle or requirement is absolute.
Easily confused with nonnegotiable
Negotiable means open to discussion or alteration, whereas nonnegotiable means that it cannot be negotiated or changed.