Arbitration
noun /ˌɑːr.bɪˈtreɪ.ʃən/ — Dispute resolution outside of court by a neutral third party.
Definition
A form of alternative dispute resolution in which the parties to a conflict agree to submit their dispute to one or more neutral arbitrators, whose decision is typically binding. Faster, cheaper, and more private than litigation.
Beyond the definition
Arbitration is the private settlement of what would otherwise be a public fight — a choice that values efficiency and confidentiality over the ritual and exposure of court.
Origin & history
From Latin 'arbitratio' (judgment); from 'arbitrari' (to give judgment); from 'arbiter' (judge). The 'arbiter' is the person who goes between.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
The employment contract required arbitration — she signed without reading it and only understood its implications when she needed to file a complaint.
International commercial disputes routinely go to arbitration rather than national courts — neutral ground, enforceable awards.
Arbitration awards are very difficult to appeal — the trade-off for speed and privacy is finality.
How to use it
This entry uses a noun. Follow the examples for articles and singular or plural forms; not every noun takes “a” or “an.”
Choose “Arbitration” when the meaning fits your context: A form of alternative dispute resolution in which the parties to a conflict agree to submit their dispute to one or more neutral arbitrators, whose decision is typically binding. Faster, cheaper, and more private than litigation.
Synonyms
alternative dispute resolution, private adjudication
Antonyms
litigation, court proceeding
Related words
- mediation
- jurisprudence
- adjudicate
- litigation
Arbitration vs mediation
In arbitration, a third party makes a binding decision for the disputants. In mediation, a neutral party merely facilitates communication to help the parties reach their own agreement.
Compare this word
Word in the Wild
See how this word appears in life, language and stories.
Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.
Fictional scene
Adult Asking For A Pause
Two adults having a disagreement stand at a table; one raises a hand to ask for a pause, creating a space for potential resolution.
Arbitration is an alternative dispute resolution handled by a neutral party. The gesture requesting a pause illustrates the creation of space for structured discussion, offering a more private and efficient path to resolution than formal litigation.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Arbitration" mean?
Arbitration is noun meaning: Dispute resolution outside of court by a neutral third party.. A form of alternative dispute resolution in which the parties to a conflict agree to submit their dispute to one or more neutral arbitrators, whose decision is typically binding. Faster, cheaper, and more private than litigation.
Where does the word "Arbitration" come from?
From Latin 'arbitratio' (judgment); from 'arbitrari' (to give judgment); from 'arbiter' (judge). The 'arbiter' is the person who goes between.