Word
forfeiture
Phoneticsfor·fei·ture, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈfɔɹfətʃɝ/
UK/fˈɔːfeɪtʃɐ/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. the loss of property, money, or a right because you broke a rule or a law. It is a type of punishment where you are forced to give something up.
n. the loss of property, rights, or assets as a direct consequence of a breach of legal obligation, neglect of duty, or criminal activity.
Examples
“The contract includes a clause for the forfeiture of the deposit.”
“Failure to meet the strict project deadlines resulted in the forfeiture of the company's performance bond.”
“The court ordered the forfeiture of all assets acquired through the illegal enterprise, ensuring that the defendants could not profit from their criminal activities after serving their sentences.”
Examples
simple
“The contract includes a clause for the forfeiture of the deposit.”
contextual
“Failure to meet the strict project deadlines resulted in the forfeiture of the company's performance bond.”
complex
“The court ordered the forfeiture of all assets acquired through the illegal enterprise, ensuring that the defendants could not profit from their criminal activities after serving their sentences.”
Usage
Uncountable when referring to the general legal process; countable when referring to a specific instance or penalty.
Real-World Examples
“The Gambia will use funds received from the US from the forfeiture of long-time ruler Yahya Jammeh's property to pay victims of his rule, authorities have said.” “Illegal products that are offered for sale will be subject to seizure and forfeiture , as well as destruction at the business’s expense.” Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domain
- 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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