noun

force majeure

FORSS ma-ZHUR

Force majeure (noun) means a clause in a contract releasing the parties from their obligations when an extraordinary event outside their control, such as a war, flood or government ban, makes performance impossible. Example: “The supplier invoked force majeure when the port was closed.”

noun

A clause in a contract releasing the parties from their obligations when an extraordinary event outside their control, such as a war, flood or government ban, makes performance impossible.

"The supplier invoked force majeure when the port was closed."

"Check whether the contract's force majeure clause covers pandemics."

An unforeseeable event of overwhelming power that nobody can guard against or be blamed for.

"The eruption was treated as a force majeure by every insurer involved."

How to use force majeure

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA disaster nobody could control that lets both sides off a contract.

When to use it

Formal and legal. Usually printed in ordinary type in modern contracts; the plural is rarely needed.

Memory tip

Force majeure is not automatic in English law. It works only if the contract actually contains a clause defining it, so the wording of that clause decides everything.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

act of God frustration of contract hardship clause

Common pairings

force majeure clause invoke force majeure declare force majeure force majeure event

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The supplier invoked _____ when the port was closed.

Etymology

A borrowing from French, literally 'superior force', taken into English through French contract law.

Origin: French

Synonyms

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act of God clause excusing event act of God unavoidable accident

Rhymes for force majeure

pure cure sure azure nature future manure secure impure injure figure allure

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between force majeure and an act of God?

An act of God covers natural events with no human involvement, such as earthquakes and lightning. Force majeure is broader and, depending on the drafting, can also cover wars, strikes, embargoes and government orders.

Does force majeure apply automatically?

In common law systems such as England's, no. Relief depends on a clause in the contract that lists or defines the qualifying events, and courts read those clauses strictly. Some civil law systems do recognise it as a general principle.

Is a pandemic a force majeure event?

Only if the clause covers it, either by naming epidemics and pandemics or through wording broad enough to include government restrictions. Many contracts were rewritten after 2020 to say so explicitly rather than leave it to argument.

What is the meaning of force majeure?

"force majeure" (noun) means a clause in a contract releasing the parties from their obligations when an extraordinary event outside their control, such as a war, flood or government ban, makes performance impossible.