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GLOSSARY

Force majeure definition

/ˌfɔːs maˈʒəː/

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What does Force majeure mean?

An unexpected and exceptional event that allows one party to terminate the contract without being liable for damages.

Force majeure is literally translated as 'superior forces', something to overrule a settled state of affairs and cognate with an 'act of God'. In common language it is an unexpected and disruptive event that may operate to excuse a party from its obligations under a contract. The term force majeure is not a technical term with its own clearly defined meaning under English law although it can be drafted as a contractual clause. The courts have sought, through their decisions on individual cases, to give guidance as to what in specific circumstances is and is not covered by the term. However, there remains no clearly defined general definition of a force majeure event.

Commercial

An unexpected and exceptional event that allows one party to terminate the contract without being liable for damages.

Force majeure is literally translated as 'superior forces', something to overrule a settled state of affairs and cognate with an 'act of God'. In common language it is an

Force majeure - Legal Definition

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