Conflict Resolution Vocabulary

20 Conflict Resolution Vocabulary Terms with Meanings and Examples

Conflict resolution is the process of managing conflict in a constructive way. Here are 20 terms related to conflict resolution:

1. Mediation: A neutral third party helps disputing parties reach an agreement.
   • Example: “The mediator helped the couple resolve their conflict.”
2. Negotiation: The process of reaching an agreement through discussion and compromise.
   • Example: “The two parties negotiated a deal to end the strike.”
3. Arbitration: A neutral third party makes a binding decision to resolve a dispute.
   • Example: “The arbitrator ruled in favor of the plaintiff.”
4. Compromise: A settlement reached by both parties giving up something.
   • Example: “They reached a compromise after negotiating for hours.”
5. Conciliation: A process of helping disputing parties find common ground.
   • Example: “The conciliator helped the two sides understand each other’s perspectives.”
6. Win-win: A situation where both parties benefit from the outcome.
   • Example: “The negotiation resulted in a win-win solution.”
7. Lose-lose: A situation where both parties lose something.
   • Example: “The conflict escalated into a lose-lose situation.”
8. Win-lose: A situation where one party wins and the other loses.
   • Example: “The arbitration resulted in a win-lose outcome.”
9. Accommodation: One party gives in to the other party’s demands.
   • Example: “She accommodated her friend’s request to borrow her car.”
10. Avoidance: The parties avoid the conflict altogether.

• Example: “They decided to avoid the topic to prevent further conflict.”

11. Competition: The parties try to assert their own needs and goals without compromise.

• Example: “The two companies were in fierce competition for the same market.”

12. Collaboration: The parties work together to find a solution that satisfies everyone’s needs.

• Example: “The team collaborated to develop a successful plan.”

13. Assertiveness: The ability to express oneself confidently and directly.

• Example: “She was assertive in stating her needs during the negotiation.”

14. Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another person.

• Example: “Empathy is essential for effective conflict resolution.”

15. Active listening: Paying full attention to the speaker and showing that you understand their message.

• Example: “Active listening can help prevent misunderstandings.”

16. Nonverbal communication: Communication through body language, facial expressions, and other nonverbal cues.

• Example: Nonverbal communication plays a significant role in conflict resolution.

17. Conflict escalation: The process of a conflict becoming more intense or severe.

• Example: Escalating conflicts can lead to negative consequences.

18. De-escalation: The process of reducing the intensity of a conflict.

• Example: De-escalation techniques can help prevent conflicts from escalating.

19. Mediation: A neutral third party helps disputing parties reach an agreement.

• Example: “The mediator helped the couple resolve their conflict.”

20. Negotiation: The process of reaching an agreement through discussion and compromise.

• Example: “The two parties negotiated a deal to end the strike.”