# enforceable

/ɛnˈfɔɹsəbəɫ/ (US) · /ɛnfˈɔːsəbəl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/enforceable
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "the law is enforceful" but "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.

## Usage notes

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

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.