1 B2 neutral
To surrender or lose something of value as part of a negotiation, often unwisely.
"The union accused management of bargaining away workers' pension rights in the latest agreement."
separable
bargain away
B2 neutral separable transitive
To lose or surrender something valuable through negotiation, usually carelessly or unwisely.
In plain English
To give up something important when making a deal, often when you didn't need to.
What does "bargain away" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic neutral
To give up a principle, right, or advantage in exchange for short-term gain.
"He bargained away his independence for a comfortable government position."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To negotiate (bargain) something away from yourself — relatively transparent.
Actually means
To give up something important when making a deal, often when you didn't need to.
Usage tip
Almost always carries a negative connotation — the subject gave away something they should have kept. Common in political, legal, and business contexts.
Words that pair with "bargain away"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
rights freedoms sovereignty advantages future principles
How to conjugate "bargain away"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
bargain away
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bargains away
he/she/it
Past simple
bargained away
yesterday
Past participle
bargained away
have + pp
-ing form
bargaining away
continuous
Hear "bargain away" in the wild
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