# forfeit

/ˈfɔɹfɪt/ (US) · /fˈɔːfɪt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/forfeit
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. to lose a right or possession

verb · CEFR B2

to lose something or give up the right to it because you did something wrong or broke a rule.

For teachers: to lose a right, property, or privilege as a consequence of a crime, error, or breach of contract. Transitive; requires a direct object.

- If you do not pay the taxes on time, you might forfeit your right to the property.
- The defendant was warned that any further violation of the bail conditions would cause him to forfeit his bond entirely.

### 2. to give up a game

verb · CEFR B2

to lose a game or competition because you cannot play or because you broke the rules.

For teachers: to lose a contest by voluntary withdrawal, failure to attend, or violation of competition rules.

- The team had to forfeit the match because three of their players were sick.
- After the scandal was uncovered, the committee ruled that the athlete must forfeit all medals won during the previous season.

### 3. a penalty

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

something that you must give up as a punishment for a mistake or for breaking a rule.

For teachers: a fine or a penalty for a fault, misdeed, or breach of contract.

- The contract states that the forfeit for leaving the job early is one month's salary.
- The magistrate imposed a heavy forfeit on the company for its failure to comply with environmental safety regulations.

### 4. lost as a penalty

adjective · CEFR C2 · Formal · Technical

describes something that has been taken away as a punishment.

For teachers: lost or alienated for an offence or crime; liable to seizure by authority.

- The judge declared that the stolen goods were now forfeit to the state.
- Under the terms of the ancient treaty, the lands were declared forfeit to the crown upon the death of the last heir.

## Examples

- If you break the rules, you will forfeit your prize.
- The team had to forfeit the match because they did not have enough players available to start on time.
- Under the terms of the agreement, the developer will forfeit their initial deposit if they fail to secure the necessary building permits within the six-month grace period.

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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.