Okuzeka
Business English vocabulary · Negotiations

ZOPA

Meaning in business english, with examples

abbreviationAdvanced term

In business english, ZOPA means: The range of possible terms that would be acceptable to both negotiating sides.

In Turkish: olası anlaşma aralığı

How it is used

Short for zone of possible agreement. It may concern price or several conditions; there may be no overlap if the parties' acceptable limits are incompatible.

Example sentences

  1. If the seller needs at least 900 euros and we can pay up to 1,000, the ZOPA lies between those amounts.

    Both sides can accept a price within the overlap, assuming other conditions are satisfactory.

  2. Adding flexible delivery dates created a ZOPA that neither side could find when discussing price alone.

    An additional negotiating dimension makes mutually acceptable combinations possible.

Common collocations

  • identify a ZOPA
  • expand the ZOPA
  • negotiateTo discuss something formally with another side in order to reach an agreement both can accept, for example on price or contract terms.
  • termsThe conditions of an agreement or contract that both sides accept, such as the price, payment dates, delivery and responsibilities.

More terms: Negotiations

Practise with graded reading

Reading at the right level is the fastest way to make new words stick. Pick free English books by level: