Word
enforceable
Phoneticsen·force·able
US/ɛnˈfɔɹsəbəɫ/
UK/ɛnfˈɔːsəbəl/
Definition
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.
Examples
“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.”
Examples
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.”
Usage
Often follows a linking verb like 'be' or 'become', or modifies nouns like 'contract', 'agreement', or 'rule'.
Pitfall
the law is enforceful
the law is enforceable
Learners sometimes use the suffix '-ful' instead of '-able'; '-able' is the correct suffix for indicating that an action can be performed.
Real-World Examples
“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.” Etymology
From enforce + -able.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
- 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
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/enforceable