force majeure
/ˌfɔːrs mɑːˈʒɜːr/
Meaning
A French term meaning 'greater force.' It refers to unforeseeable, unavoidable events (like natural disasters, wars, or strikes) that prevent someone from fulfilling a contract. When invoked, it frees both parties from liability or obligation.
Examples
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The shipping company invoked the force majeure clause after the port was closed by a hurricane.
The shipping company invoked the force majeure clause after the port was closed by a hurricane.
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Our legal team is reviewing whether the pandemic qualifies as a force majeure event under our current contract.
Our legal team is reviewing whether the pandemic qualifies as a force majeure event under our current contract.
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Due to force majeure, we are unable to guarantee delivery dates this month.
Due to force majeure, we are unable to guarantee delivery dates this month.
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The contract explicitly excludes labor strikes from its definition of force majeure.
The contract explicitly excludes labor strikes from its definition of force majeure.
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If a force majeure event lasts longer than thirty days, either party may terminate the agreement.
If a force majeure event lasts longer than thirty days, either party may terminate the agreement.
Common Mistakes
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✗ The storm was a force majeure that we couldn't control.
✓ The storm was a force majeure event.
In business and legal English, we usually speak of a 'force majeure clause' or a 'force majeure event' rather than calling the physical event itself 'a force majeure'.
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✗ We are force majeure to delay the project.
✓ We are forced to delay the project due to force majeure.
'Force majeure' is a noun phrase, not an adjective or passive verb meaning 'forced'.
Related Expressions
Practice
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The supplier invoked the ___ clause after the earthquake destroyed their main factory.
💡 A French phrase meaning 'greater force' used in contracts.
Show answer
force majeure
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Standard contracts usually include a ___ provision to protect parties from unpredictable global events.
💡 It excuses non-performance due to unavoidable disasters.
Show answer
force majeure