Frustration of Contract

In one sentence

An unforeseen event makes contract performance impossible or radically different from what was intended.

Plain English

Frustration of contract is a legal doctrine that excuses performance when something unexpected happens that makes fulfilling the contract impossible or fundamentally changes what the parties bargained for. This is different from a party simply finding performance difficult or expensive. The event must be unforeseeable and beyond anyone's control, like a natural disaster or a sudden change in law.

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Example

You contract to rent a concert hall for a specific date, but the building burns down a week before the event through no one's fault. The contract is frustrated because the performance is now impossible, and neither party can be held in breach.

Used in a sentence

“The pandemic caused frustration of contract for the event venue, which could not legally be forced to host the conference.”

Related terms

Impossibility of Performance

A situation where performing a contract becomes impossible through no party's fault.

Doctrine of Impracticability

Performance is excused when it becomes extremely difficult or expensive due to unforeseen events.

Act of God

A natural event beyond human control that excuses contract performance.

Material Breach

A significant failure to perform a contract obligation that defeats its core purpose.

Actual Performance

Completing all the obligations required under a contract exactly as promised.

Condition Precedent

An event that must happen before a party's obligation to perform becomes due.

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.