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AGeneralUpdated 2 Nov 2026

Arbitration

Alternative dispute resolution method using neutral third-party decision makers.

Definition

Arbitration is a great form of alternate dispute resolution that can help resolve disputes without the need for a judge or jury. An arbitrator's decision is legally binding and can be used to settle disagreements quickly and fairly.

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In the room

How the word shows up in a real conversation.

John and Jane are co-founders of a small tech startup. They have been in business for 2 years and have built a successful product that has a growing customer base. However, they have a disagreement about the direction of the company and cannot seem to come to a resolution.

After months of attempts to resolve the issue internally, John and Jane agree to take the matter to arbitration. They hire an experienced arbitrator who specializes in resolving disputes between business partners.

The arbitration process involves a series of hearings where both parties present their case and evidence to the arbitrator. The arbitrator listens to both sides and makes a final, binding decision on the matter in dispute.

In the case of John and Jane, the arbitrator rules in favor of Jane's proposal for the direction of the company. John is unhappy with the decision, but agrees to follow it as part of the arbitration agreement.

The outcome of the arbitration process allows John and Jane to move forward with the business, resolving their disagreement and avoiding the costs and uncertainty of a court battle. By choosing arbitration, they were able to have a quicker, more cost-effective, and private resolution to their dispute.

In this scenario, the use of arbitration allowed John and Jane to resolve their disagreement in a way that was quicker, more cost-effective, and private, allowing them to move forward with their business.

Common mistake

Using Arbitration as a label instead of a fact. If you cannot point to the evidence — a number, a customer, or a written assumption — you are using the word as jargon.

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