Word
unenforceable
Phoneticsun·en·force·able
US/ˌənɛnˈfɔɹsəbəɫ/
UK/ˌʌnɛnfˈɔːsəbəl/
Definition
adj. describing a rule, law, or contract that cannot be made to happen or followed. It is often used when a court says a rule is not fair or legal.
adj. incapable of being made effective or carried out; legally unbinding. Often describes a contract or clause that a court has ruled invalid or unenforceable due to public policy or lack of consideration.
Examples
“The court ruled that the contract was unenforceable.”
“Because the two parties did not sign the agreement, the terms of the deal became unenforceable in a legal dispute.”
“While the clause was technically included in the lease, it was deemed unenforceable as it attempted to waive the tenant's right to a safe living environment, which is protected by local housing laws.”
Examples
simple
“The court ruled that the contract was unenforceable.”
contextual
“Because the two parties did not sign the agreement, the terms of the deal became unenforceable in a legal dispute.”
complex
“While the clause was technically included in the lease, it was deemed unenforceable as it attempted to waive the tenant's right to a safe living environment, which is protected by local housing laws.”
Real-World Examples
“A tribunal held in February 2025 found the Premier League's rules governing sponsorship deals from the period between 2021 and 2024 are "void and unenforceable".” Scan code
englishreference.com/q/unenforceable