non-binding
Legally not enforceable
Non-binding describes agreements, votes, or decisions that carry no legal or enforceable obligation.
A non-binding resolution expresses sentiment without compelling action; a non-binding contract is essentially a statement of intent.
The referendum was non-binding, so Parliament could ignore the result.
The term often signals that something is advisory or preliminary rather than final.
Advised course of action
- guidanceAdvice for decisions
- suggestionIdea proposed for consideration
- counselExpert guidance offered
- opinionSubjective personal belief
guideline · resolution · declaration · memorandum · statement · referendum · plebiscite · consultation
Not mandatory
- voluntaryDone by choice
- discretionarySubject to personal judgment
- permissiveTolerant, lacking strictness
- unenforceableLacking legal force
waivable · adjustable · modifiable · negotiable · open-ended · loose · informal · soft
Uncertain and provisional
- preliminaryBefore the main part
- draftPreliminary version of text
- conditionalDependent on prerequisites
- interimProvisional in-between phase
exploratory · trial · experimental · unconfirmed · provisional · pending · working · proposed
recommendation
Advised course of action
- guidanceAdvice for decisions
- suggestionIdea proposed for consideration
- counselExpert guidance offered
opinion · guideline · resolution · declaration · memorandum · statement · referendum · plebiscite · consultation · proposal
optional
Not mandatory
- voluntaryDone by choice
- discretionarySubject to personal judgment
- permissiveTolerant, lacking strictness
unenforceable · waivable · adjustable · modifiable · negotiable · open-ended · loose · informal · soft · aspirational
tentative
Uncertain and provisional
- preliminaryBefore the main part
- draftPreliminary version of text
- conditionalDependent on prerequisites
interim · exploratory · trial · experimental · unconfirmed · provisional · pending · working · proposed · indicative
- negotiationbargaining, bargain, negotiate, mediation, compromise
- Dealmakingdeal, negotiator, bargaining, offer, counteroffer
- obligationmandatory, obligatory, required, compulsory, optional
- casual datingfling, hookup, friends with benefits, FWB, one-night stand
- temporarytemporary, temp job, interim, temp worker, provisional
- comfort clothingstretchy, loose fit, elastic waist, breathable, roomy
non-bindingbinding
Legally or morally required
legally binding · enforceable · contractual · obligatory · mandatory
non-bindingbinding
Legally or morally required
obligatory · ironclad · firm · irrevocable · committed