force majeure
Unforeseeable contract excuse
Force majeure is an unforeseeable circumstance that prevents someone from fulfilling a contract—natural disasters, wars, pandemics.
The term is French for "superior force." A force majeure clause in a contract specifies which events excuse performance: The shipping delay was covered under force majeure.
Courts interpret such clauses narrowly, requiring the event to be truly beyond the parties' control.
Provision in agreement
- contractEnforceable written agreement
- liabilityLegal or financial obligation
- indemnityProtection against financial loss
- provisionPreparatory supply or clause
stipulation · waiver · arbitration · enforceability · rescission · breach · termination · damages
Seismic ground movement
- tsunamiSeismic sea surge
- hurricaneViolent tropical windstorm
- tornadoViolent rotating windstorm
- volcanoEarth's fiery vent
flood · avalanche · blizzard · cyclone · typhoon · wildfire · drought · landslide
Not predicted or expected
- unanticipatedNot predicted beforehand
- unexpectedNot anticipated beforehand
- unforeseeableImpossible to anticipate
- uncertaintyState of being unsure
chance · randomness · volatility · accident · anomaly · aberration · surprise · inevitability
Protected from harm
- reliefEasing of distress
- exonerationOfficial clearing of blame
- excuseOffered reason for wrongdoing
- dischargeRelease of substance outward
release · absolution · dispensation · exception · privilege · nonliability · pardon · reprieve
clause
Provision in agreement
- contractEnforceable written agreement
- liabilityLegal or financial obligation
- indemnityProtection against financial loss
provision · stipulation · waiver · arbitration · enforceability · rescission · breach · termination · damages · remedy
earthquake
Seismic ground movement
volcano · flood · avalanche · blizzard · cyclone · typhoon · wildfire · drought · landslide · monsoon
unforeseen
Not predicted or expected
- unanticipatedNot predicted beforehand
- unexpectedNot anticipated beforehand
- unforeseeableImpossible to anticipate
uncertainty · chance · randomness · volatility · accident · anomaly · aberration · surprise · inevitability · impossibility
immunity
Protected from harm
- reliefEasing of distress
- exonerationOfficial clearing of blame
- excuseOffered reason for wrongdoing
discharge · release · absolution · dispensation · exception · privilege · nonliability · pardon · reprieve · exculpation
- legalesehereby, herein, hereinafter, hereof, hereto
- contract termscontract terms, agreement, terms, conditions, condition
- entertainment businessrecording contract, movie deal, book deal, development deal, talent deal
- civil lawproperty disputes, Napoleonic Code, litigation, damage claims, codification
- contract lawobligation, performance, capacity, breach, contract terms
- air travel rightspassenger rights, denied boarding, compensation claims, refunds, bumped passengers
force, major, forced, majestic, majority, forceful, majesty, enforce, forces