Uncertainty

In one sentence

Vagueness or ambiguity in contract terms that prevents enforcement.

Plain English

When a contract's terms are too unclear or vague, courts may refuse to enforce it because they cannot determine what the parties actually agreed to. For example, if a price is left blank or key terms are missing, the uncertainty makes the contract unenforceable. Courts try to interpret contracts reasonably, but if the uncertainty is too severe, the contract fails.

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Example

A contractor agrees to 'renovate the kitchen for a reasonable price.' Because 'reasonable price' is too vague and uncertain, a court may not enforce this contract if the parties later disagree about what was owed.

Used in a sentence

“The uncertainty in the delivery date made the shipping contract unenforceable.”

Related terms

Contract

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

Ambiguity

Unclear or multiple reasonable interpretations of contract language.

Void Contract

A contract that has no legal effect from the moment it's made.

Contract Formation

The process by which parties create a legally binding agreement.

Implied Covenant of Good Faith and Fair Dealing

An unwritten promise in every contract that parties will act honestly and fairly toward each other.

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.

Consideration

Something of value exchanged by each party to make a contract binding.

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.