something you agree to give up to reach a deal

concession

noun|/kənˈseʃ.ən/

Something surrendered or given up in negotiation

Examples

In a meeting

We secured the contract but had to make concessions on the delivery timeline.

Over coffee

As a concession to my vegetarian friend, we're ordering from a place with better veggie options.

Why this word

compromise

Concession is yielding a specific point or right, while compromise is mutual agreement where both sides give up something

admission

Concession means granting something in negotiation or argument, while admission is acknowledging truth

allowance

Concession implies yielding a point despite disagreement, while allowance is permission or tolerance

Usage tip

Use when describing specific things traded away during negotiations—implies calculated sacrifice

Etymology

Latin — from 'concedere' (to yield), from 'con-' (completely) + 'cedere' (to go, yield)

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