force majeure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "force majeure" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in legal or contractual contexts to refer to unforeseen events that prevent fulfillment of obligations. For example, "The contract was terminated due to a force majeure event." Alternative expressions include "act of God" and "unforeseeable circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's certainly not force majeure".

The New York Times

"You can't predict a force majeure.

The New Yorker

Force Majeure is a frightening film.

The Guardian - Film

Force Majeure: What is an unforeseeable "force majeure" in the blockchain/smart contract environment?

Columbia University

In Force Majeure, the roles are switched.

The Guardian - Opinion

"They don't have a force majeure clause," he said.

The New York Times

Force Majeure gets a UK release on 10 April.

The Guardian - Film

Additionally, Grandville Force Majeure features a strong political undercurrent.

The Guardian - Books

Grandville Force Majeure is published by Jonathan Cape.

The Guardian - Books

Force Majeure is released in the UK on 10 April.

The Guardian - Film

But, it's force majeure: there is nothing else on.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "force majeure" in contracts, clearly define what events qualify as such to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify whether pandemics, strikes, or cyberattacks are covered.

Common error

Do not use "force majeure" as a convenient excuse to escape contractual obligations simply because they are no longer profitable. The event must be genuinely unforeseeable and outside your control.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "force majeure" primarily functions as a noun, often used in legal and contractual contexts. Ludwig AI identifies it as denoting an overwhelming and unavoidable event that releases parties from contractual obligations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Formal & Business

27%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "force majeure" is a commonly used phrase, particularly in legal and business contexts, to denote an overwhelming and unavoidable event that excuses parties from fulfilling contractual obligations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and its usage is widespread across reputable news sources, formal business documents, and scientific publications. When drafting contracts, clearly defining what qualifies as "force majeure" is essential to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "act of God" or "unforeseeable circumstances", though the specific nuance may differ. Avoid misinterpreting "force majeure" as a mere loophole for escaping unfavorable contracts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

act of God

Refers specifically to natural disasters as the cause.

vis major

A legal term, similar to "act of God", but broader.

unforeseeable circumstances

Emphasizes the unexpected nature of the event.

unavoidable casualty

Highlights the inability to prevent the event.

inevitable accident

Focuses on the accidental and unavoidable nature.

circumstances beyond control

Highlights the lack of agency.

uncontrollable event

Focuses on the impossibility to control the event.

superior force

Highlights an overpowering event.

exceptional event

Emphasizes the unusual nature of the incident.

unforeseen contingency

Highlights the unexpected and contingent nature.

FAQs

How is "force majeure" typically used in a sentence?

"Force majeure" is often used to describe an event that prevents someone from fulfilling a contractual obligation. For example: "The contract was terminated due to a "force majeure" event".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "force majeure"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "act of God", "unforeseeable circumstances", or "unavoidable casualty".

Is "force majeure" applicable to any disruptive event?

No, "force majeure" clauses typically require the event to be both unforeseeable and outside the control of the parties involved. Standard business risks or economic downturns usually don't qualify.

What happens when a "force majeure" event is declared?

Declaring "force majeure" typically suspends or terminates the contractual obligations of the affected party. However, the specific consequences depend on the wording of the "force majeure clause" in the contract.