contract lapse

USAGE SUMMARY

"contract lapse" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to the expiration or termination of a contract. Example: The contract between our company and the supplier will lapse at the end of this month, so we need to start looking for a new one.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The Pentagon finally let the contract lapse at the end of May.

The New York Times

One source says the Sun was "letting her contract lapse" and there was no intention to keep Hopkins on as a columnist.

The Guardian

structure was finished Dec. 1, 1950, and NBC made a contract for the exclusive use of it for 10 years, but then let the contract lapse, which permitted other station access to the tower.

The New Yorker

Disputes over revenue shares caused the pair to split back in August, letting their contract lapse after this December.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The Swiss bank's board disagreed, and his contract lapsed in 2004.

The New York Times

Even before the contract lapsed, United pilots were earning slightly less than US Airways pilots.

The New York Times

Despite Cocker's convincing performance, the single failed to chart and the Decca contract lapsed.

The Guardian - Music

When the most recent six-year labor contract lapsed on April 12, United's pilots dropped back to what they were earning in 1993, before the contract was signed.

The New York Times

In April of that year, an ad hoc consortium (which included Facets) was allowed to bring out the first American video release, issued on five tapes or two discs, which were available only until the distributor's contract lapsed.

The New York Times - Arts

Though the footballer's contract lapsed at the end of the 2011-2012 season, the club stayed in close contact with Evans while he was in prison, and there has been speculation that it will seek to re-sign the player, prompting outrage from anti-rape campaigners and others.

The Guardian

Months after his contract lapsed, Baron got a $400 bill for calls above his monthly allotment.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "contract lapse", be precise about whether the contract lapsed due to the end of its term or another reason, such as non-renewal. This clarity prevents ambiguity in legal and business contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "lapse" when you mean "collapse" or "relapse". "Lapse" refers to something ending or expiring, while "collapse" refers to something failing suddenly, and "relapse" means to revert to a previous condition. For example, do not say "The negotiations lapsed" if you mean "The negotiations collapsed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contract lapse" functions as a noun phrase, often used as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates it is a correct and commonly used phrase. Examples show it describing the termination or expiration of a contractual agreement.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "contract lapse" refers to the termination or expiration of a contract. Ludwig AI confirms this as a correct and commonly used phrase. It is mostly used in News & Media, Wiki and Science, and has a neutral register, making it appropriate for professional and formal communications. Related terms include "contract expiration" and "contract termination". Be sure to use "lapse" correctly and not confuse it with similar words like "collapse" or "relapse". While it is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase, according to Ludwig, its frequency is relatively rare. Use this term to clearly and accurately describe the status of a contract's end.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contract termination

Focuses on the act of ending the contract, whether by expiration or mutual agreement.

contract expiration

Specifically refers to the contract ending due to the passage of time, as stipulated in its terms.

contract expiry

A synonym for contract expiration.

contract invalidation

Highlights the contract becoming void or unenforceable.

termination of agreement

A more formal way to express the ending of an agreement.

agreement expiration

Similar to contract expiration, but uses the broader term "agreement".

contract non-renewal

Emphasizes that the contract was not extended or renewed.

contract default

Indicates the contract ended due to one party's failure to fulfill obligations.

end of contract term

A descriptive phrase specifying the conclusion of the contract's defined period.

contract cessation

A more formal term for the stopping or termination of a contract.

FAQs

What does "contract lapse" mean?

"Contract lapse" refers to the termination or expiration of a contract, usually because the contract's term has ended and it has not been renewed.

What can I say instead of "contract lapse"?

You can use alternatives like "contract expiration", "contract termination", or "contract expiry", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say a contract has "lapsed"?

Yes, it is correct to say a contract has "lapsed". It means the contract has expired or is no longer in effect.

How does a "contract lapse" differ from a "breach of contract"?

A "contract lapse" occurs when the contract ends according to its terms, usually due to time. A "breach of contract" happens when one party violates the terms of the contract before it has lapsed.