ENGLISH
REFERENCE

enforceable

adj.
C1 Advanced US //ɛnˈfɔɹsəbəɫ// UK //ɛnfˈɔːsəbəl// en·force·able

adj. describing a rule or law that the police or courts can make people follow. If a contract is enforceable, it means it is legally valid and you must do what it says.

adj. capable of being compelled by law or physical force. Often describes legal instruments, such as contracts or mandates, that are valid and carry the weight of judicial authority.


SIMPLE

The new speed limit is strictly enforceable by the local police.

CONTEXTUAL

The judge ruled that the non-compete clause was not enforceable because it was too broad and restricted the employee's right to work.

COMPLEX

International treaties often face criticism for lacking an enforceable mechanism, as there is no global police force to ensure that sovereign nations adhere to the agreements they sign.

Antonyms
Origin

From enforce + -able.

Usage

Often follows a linking verb like 'be' or 'become', or modifies nouns like 'contract', 'agreement', or 'rule'.

Pitfall

the law is enforcefulthe law is enforceableLearners sometimes use the suffix '-ful' instead of '-able'; '-able' is the correct suffix for indicating that an action can be performed.

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