nonnegotiables
Lines never crossed
Nonnegotiables are things that someone absolutely will not compromise on or give up.
The term appears most often in discussions of relationships, workplace expectations, or personal boundaries: Respect and honesty are my nonnegotiables.
What counts as a nonnegotiable varies by person and context—for some it might be salary requirements, for others core values or dealbreakers in dating.
The word emphasizes firmness: these aren't preferences but hard limits.
Indispensable items or elements
- mustsRequired things
- prerequisitesNecessary prior conditions
- necessitiesWhat you cannot lack
- imperativesMandatory actions or commands
mandates · conditions · stipulations · criteria · expectations · demands · obligations · terms
Refusing to give way
- uncompromisingRefusing to yield ground
- adamantStubbornly refusing to yield
- immovableIncapable of being shifted
- steadfastFirmly loyal, unshakeable
resolute · unbending · unwavering · intransigent · ironclad · immutable · unalterable · fixed
Foundational moral beliefs
- convictionsStrongly held beliefs
- beliefsAccepted truths, personal
- ethicsStudy of right conduct
- standardsAccepted levels of quality
ideals · priorities · commitments · morals · integrity · authenticity · self-respect · dignity
Marks for removal
- dealbreakersUnacceptable conditions ending agreements
- limitsImposed maximum points
- off-limitsProhibited from access
- untouchablesExcluded social group
essentials
Indispensable items or elements
- mustsRequired things
- prerequisitesNecessary prior conditions
- necessitiesWhat you cannot lack
imperatives · mandates · conditions · stipulations · criteria · expectations · demands · obligations · terms · specifications
unyielding
Refusing to give way
- uncompromisingRefusing to yield ground
- adamantStubbornly refusing to yield
- immovableIncapable of being shifted
steadfast · resolute · unbending · unwavering · intransigent · ironclad · immutable · unalterable · fixed · rigid
principles
Foundational moral beliefs
- convictionsStrongly held beliefs
- beliefsAccepted truths, personal
- ethicsStudy of right conduct
standards · ideals · priorities · commitments · morals · integrity · authenticity · self-respect · dignity
redlines
Marks for removal
- dealbreakersUnacceptable conditions ending agreements
- limitsImposed maximum points
- off-limitsProhibited from access
untouchables · absolutes · prohibitions · taboos · restrictions
- requirementsrequirement, requirements, prerequisite, requisite, requisites
nonnegotiablesnegotiables
Things open to bargaining
flexible terms · variables · adjustables · gray areas · wiggle room
nonnegotiablesnice-to-haves
Desired but unnecessary features
optionals · expendables · luxuries · extras · wishes