Nonnegotiable

Nonnegotiable is an adjective meaning not subject to negotiation; fixed, mandatory, or non-discretionary. In general use, it describes terms, conditions, or prices that a party cannot bargain over or change.

The term combines non- with negotiable, the latter deriving from Latin negotiabilis meaning able to be dealt with or traded. In modern English, nonnegotiable emphasizes firmness or finality in agreements, prices, or requirements.

In contract and business contexts, nonnegotiable terms are those that are not open to bargaining. For example, a seller may state that a price is nonnegotiable, indicating that discounts or concessions will not be considered. Similarly, certain lease provisions or service terms may be labeled nonnegotiable, signaling that changes require mutual agreement before signing.

In finance and law, the related concept of negotiability is central. A negotiable instrument, such as a check or promissory note, is designed to be transferable by endorsement. A nonnegotiable instrument, by contrast, cannot be transferred with the same rights to payment, or it may be restricted by explicit language. The label nonnegotiable is sometimes used to indicate restrictions on transfer or to clarify that terms cannot be altered through negotiation.

Hyphenation varies by style guide; both nonnegotiable and non-negotiable are encountered, with some contexts preferring the closed form. In everyday language, the phrase often appears as nonnegotiable terms or a nonnegotiable price.

See also: negotiable instrument, contract terms, fixed price, standard terms.