Force Majeure Event

In one sentence

An unforeseeable, uncontrollable event that prevents contract performance.

Plain English

A force majeure event is something beyond anyone's control—like a natural disaster, war, or pandemic—that makes it impossible or extremely difficult to perform a contract. Most contracts have a clause that excuses performance if such an event occurs. The key is that the event must be truly unforeseeable and not something the parties could have prevented or insured against. It's a safety valve when the world changes in ways nobody anticipated.

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Example

A concert venue books a major band for a show. Two weeks before the event, a hurricane destroys the venue's roof. The force majeure clause in the contract excuses both the venue and the band from liability, since neither could have prevented the natural disaster.

Used in a sentence

“The shipping company invoked a force majeure event to excuse late delivery when a port closed due to civil unrest.”

Related terms

Discharge of Contract

The release of both parties from their contractual obligations.

Doctrine of Frustration

A contract is excused when unforeseen events make its purpose impossible to achieve.

Doctrine of Impossibility

A party is excused from contract performance when it becomes physically or legally impossible.

Act of God

A natural event beyond human control that excuses contract performance.

Performance

The act of doing what a contract requires, such as delivering goods or paying money.

Contract

A legally binding agreement between two or more parties to do or not do something.

Offer

A proposal to enter into a binding agreement on specific terms.

Acceptance

Agreeing to the exact terms of an offer, creating a binding contract.

This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney.