noun
Common
arbitration
ah-bih-TRAY-shuhn
Arbitration (noun) means a process for settling a dispute in which both sides agree to accept the decision of a neutral third party, instead of going to court. Example: “The union and management agreed to settle the pay dispute through arbitration.”
noun
1
A process for settling a dispute in which both sides agree to accept the decision of a neutral third party, instead of going to court.
"The union and management agreed to settle the pay dispute through arbitration."
"Many employment contracts require arbitration rather than a lawsuit."
"Both firms accepted the arbitration, so the matter never reached a courtroom."
How to use arbitration
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA way of resolving a disagreement by having an independent person or panel make a binding decision, avoiding a full court case.
Common pairings
binding arbitration
go to arbitration
arbitration clause
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Word forms
- Plural
- arbitrations
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The union and management agreed to settle the pay dispute through _____.
Etymology
From Old French arbitration, from Latin arbitratio, related to arbiter, "judge".
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for arbitration
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for arbitration →
Frequently asked questions
What does “arbitration” mean?
The word “arbitration” means a process for settling a dispute in which both sides agree to accept the decision of a neutral third party, instead of going to court. In plain terms, a way of resolving a disagreement by having an independent person or panel make a binding decision, avoiding a full court case.
How do you pronounce “arbitration”?
“Arbitration” is pronounced ah-bih-TRAY-shuhn (/ˌɑɹ.bɪˈtɹeɪ.ʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “arbitration” in a sentence?
Here is “arbitration” used in a sentence: “The union and management agreed to settle the pay dispute through arbitration.”
What part of speech is “arbitration”?
“Arbitration” is a noun.
Where does the word “arbitration” come from?
The word “arbitration” comes from Latin. From Old French arbitration, from Latin arbitratio, related to arbiter, "judge".
Is “arbitration” a common word?
“Arbitration” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between arbitration and mediation?
In arbitration, a neutral third party listens to both sides and makes a binding decision that settles the dispute. In mediation, the neutral third party helps both sides negotiate and reach their own agreement but does not impose a decision. Arbitration therefore produces an enforceable ruling, while mediation only facilitates a voluntary settlement.
What is the difference between arbitration and going to court?
Arbitration is a private process where both sides agree in advance to accept the decision of a neutral arbitrator instead of a judge. Court proceedings are public, follow formal legal procedure, and are overseen by a judge or jury rather than by a party both sides have selected.
Is arbitration legally binding?
Arbitration is generally binding when both parties have agreed to it, meaning the arbitrator's decision is enforceable much like a court judgment. This is one of the main reasons businesses and contracts often specify arbitration as a way to resolve disputes without going to trial.
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