# waiver

/ˈweɪvɝ/ (US) · /wˈeɪvɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/waiver
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 2. a legal document

noun · CEFR B2 · General-service

a piece of paper you sign to say you will not sue someone or that you accept a risk.

For teachers: a written document that records the act of waiving a right or requirement, particularly regarding liability.

- You must sign a liability waiver before you can use the climbing wall.
- Participants were required to sign a standard waiver acknowledging the inherent risks of the expedition before departure.

Usage: Commonly used with the verb 'to sign'.

### 3. an exemption

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

special permission to ignore a rule or not pay a fee.

For teachers: a grant of permission that allows a person or organisation to be exempt from a specific regulation or requirement.

- The university granted her a tuition waiver because of her excellent grades.
- The governor issued a waiver for certain environmental regulations to speed up the reconstruction of the bridge.

Usage: Often used in administrative or educational contexts.

## Examples

- She signed the waiver before entering the gym.
- The company requires every employee to sign a liability waiver before attending the annual retreat.
- The court dismissed the lawsuit because the plaintiff had signed a comprehensive waiver releasing the hospital from all negligence claims.

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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.