Definition:
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) describes processes of settling disputes by means other than litigation (taking a case to court). ADR includes mediation and arbitration processes. The American Arbitration Association is the organization which administers ADR processes.
The mediation process, for example, provides parties in a dispute an opportunity to settle informally with the assistance of a trained third party. And the arbitration process is a more formal method of settlement which includes a decision by the arbitrator.
Examples:
Every form of alternative dispute resolution, including mediation and arbitration, was used to settle the labor dispute without taking it to court.
