Word
contractual
Phoneticscon·trac·tu·al, stress on the second syllable
US/kənˈtɹæktʃuəɫ/
UK/kəntɹˈæktʃuːəl/
Definitions
01related to a contract
B2 · Upper Intermediate Law Formal
adj. related to a legal agreement or required by a contract.
adj. of, relating to, or specified within a legally binding contract.
“The company has a contractual obligation to pay its workers on time.”
“Failure to deliver the software by the agreed date would constitute a serious contractual breach, potentially triggering significant financial penalties.”
Usage
Usually placed before the noun it describes.
02temporary worker
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal
n. a person who is hired to work for a short time or for one specific project.
n. an employee hired on a temporary or project-specific basis rather than as a permanent staff member.
“The firm hired several contractuals to help finish the project by June.”
“The department relies heavily on contractuals during the peak season to manage the increased administrative workload without increasing permanent headcount.”
Teaching tip
In many contexts, 'contractor' is more common than the noun 'contractual'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“It is also seeking damages from DB Cargo UK, claiming that the latter "breached a contractual duty to ensure that reasonable care was taken" in maintaining the wagon.” “It also said the HS1 network should be able to support the "substantial additional services" provided that "operational, contractual, and co-ordination risks are properly controlled".” Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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