is not enforceable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not enforceable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal contexts to indicate that a particular agreement, contract, or provision cannot be upheld or enforced by law. Example: "The clause in the contract is not enforceable due to its ambiguity and lack of clarity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

It is not enforceable; it certainly isn't reality.

The New York Times

Mr. Patterson has said the provision is not enforceable.

The New York Times

But I think we can presume that this is not enforceable.

The New York Times

But Gross ruled that "this 'no-shop' provision is not enforceable against a bankruptcy entity".

The New York Times

A promise to pay based on an illegal consideration is not enforceable.

Harvard University

The punishment, however, is not enforceable without the cooperation of the Japanese government.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

And courts have ruled that insurance covering similar kinds of improper payments isn't enforceable.

The New York Times

Under California law, an agreement isn't enforceable if it requires a customer to submit to individual arbitration that can't be effective.

The New York Times

Mudgett said the handwritten 30-day notice isn't enforceable because it had the wrong date and did not follow the format required by law.

The Washington Post

"It isn't enforceable".

Science Magazine

Note to ChaCha – links aren't bad and this policy isn't enforceable.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "is not enforceable", ensure you specify why it lacks enforceability. Providing context strengthens the statement. For example, "The verbal agreement is not enforceable because it was never put in writing."

Common error

Avoid assuming a contract or agreement is automatically enforceable. Always verify the specific terms and conditions, as well as relevant laws, to confirm its legal standing. Just because it's written down doesn't mean it's valid.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not enforceable" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, describing a noun or clause as lacking the ability to be enforced legally or practically. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through various examples, highlighting its role in legal and general discourse.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

21%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is not enforceable" is a common expression indicating that a rule, law, or agreement lacks legal or practical power. Ludwig AI's analysis reveals it's grammatically correct and used across various contexts, particularly in news, academia, and encyclopedias. The phrase serves to inform about limitations and is generally neutral in register. For alternative phrasing, consider "is unenforceable" or "cannot be enforced". When using the phrase, be specific about why something lacks enforceability. As Ludwig AI confirms, understanding and applying these guidelines will improve clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unenforceable

A more concise, single-word alternative with the same legal and practical implications.

cannot be enforced

Simple rephrasing using "cannot" instead of "is not", maintaining the same meaning and grammatical structure.

is invalid

Similar to "void", suggesting a lack of proper authorization or legality.

is void

Indicates complete nullity or ineffectiveness from a legal standpoint.

has no legal effect

Emphasizes the absence of legal consequences or impact.

is not legally binding

Highlights the absence of a mandatory obligation imposed by law.

lacks legal validity

Focuses on the absence of legal standing or recognition.

carries no weight

Suggests that something has no influence or authority, often in a practical sense.

has no teeth

Similar to "is toothless", highlighting the ineffectiveness of a rule or agreement.

is toothless

An informal expression indicating a lack of effective power or means of enforcement.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "is not enforceable"?

When something "is not enforceable", it means it cannot be legally compelled or upheld in a court of law. It lacks the legal authority to be put into effect or to impose penalties for non-compliance.

When might a contract "is not enforceable"?

A contract might "is not enforceable" if it's vague, contains illegal terms, lacks consideration (something of value exchanged), or was entered into under duress or fraud. Verbal agreements for real estate, for instance, often "are not enforceable".

What are some synonyms for "is not enforceable"?

Synonyms for "is not enforceable" include "is unenforceable", "cannot be enforced", lacks legal validity, or has no legal effect.

How does 'not legally binding' compare to "is not enforceable"?

The terms are very similar. "Is not enforceable" focuses on the inability to compel compliance, while "not legally binding" emphasizes the lack of a mandatory legal obligation. Both essentially mean the agreement lacks legal power.