enforceable
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.
“The new speed limit is strictly enforceable by the local police.”
“The judge ruled that the non-compete clause was not enforceable because it was too broad and restricted the employee's right to work.”
“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.”
Often follows a linking verb like 'be' or 'become', or modifies nouns like 'contract', 'agreement', or 'rule'.
Learners sometimes use the suffix '-ful' instead of '-able'; '-able' is the correct suffix for indicating that an action can be performed.
“Experts are still debating whether those restrictions are effective, enforceable or the best mechanism to protect children.”
“Fifty-nine of those were in or near a marine protected area, which offers some legally enforceable protection measures.”
From enforce + -able.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.