C1nounformal5K

Concession

UK /["/kənˈseʃn/"]/US /["/kənˈseʃn/"]/

Definition

something that you allow or do, or allow somebody to have, in order to end an argument or to make a situation less difficult

In simple words: An agreement to allow something in order to reach a compromise.

Examples

  • The government made a concession to the workers' demands in order to avoid a strike.
  • In negotiations, a small concession can often lead to a larger agreement.
  • Her concession during the debate earned her respect from the audience.
  • The company granted a concession by allowing longer lunch breaks.
  • They reached a concession where both parties had to compromise on their initial requests.

Usage notes

Typically used in formal contexts such as negotiations, debates, or discussions. It may sound out of place in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

concession + object

Memory hint

Think of 'con-cession' as making a 'con' or agreement to 'cess' or give up something.

Collocations

  • important
  • key
  • major
  • grant (somebody/​something)
  • make
  • offer (somebody/​something)
  • concession on
  • concession to
  • make no concessions to somebody/​something
  • important
  • key
  • major
  • grant (somebody/​something)
  • make
  • offer (somebody/​something)
  • concession on
  • concession to
  • make no concessions to somebody/​something
  • tax
  • travel
  • be available to
  • trade
  • logging
  • oil
  • grant (somebody/​something)
  • obtain
  • secure
  • trade
  • logging
  • oil
  • grant (somebody/​something)
  • obtain
  • secure

Synonyms

  • compromise
  • allowance
  • settlement
  • agreement
  • yielding

Antonyms

  • refusal
  • denial

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'confession' which has a different meaning.
  • Using 'concession' in informal conversations where simpler terms might fit better.
  • Mispronouncing it as 'con-cession' instead of 'con-cess-ion'.