To expect or anticipate something; to negotiate in order to obtain something.
To be ready for something to happen; to try to get a good deal.
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To expect or be prepared for something, especially in a situation that turns out to be more difficult than anticipated.
"Moving abroad was more than she had bargained for — the language barrier was exhausting."
I got more than I bargained for.
To negotiate or haggle in order to obtain something at a desired price or on desired terms.
"Traders in the market were bargaining for lower prices on the spices."
To negotiate (bargain) in exchange for something — transparent in the negotiation sense.
To be ready for something to happen; to try to get a good deal.
The 'expect' sense is most common and often appears in the phrase 'more than I bargained for', indicating something turned out more difficult or extreme than expected. The literal 'negotiate' sense is also standard.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "bargain for" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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