force majeure
noun
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Force majeure translates literally from French as superior force. In English, the term is often used in line with its literal French meaning, but it has other uses as well, including one that has roots in a principle of French law. In business circles, "force majeure" describes those uncontrollable events (such as war, labor stoppages, or extreme weather) that are not the fault of any party and that make it difficult or impossible to carry out normal business. A company may insert a force majeure clause into a contract to absolve itself from liability in the event it cannot fulfill the terms of a contract (or if attempting to do so will result in loss or damage of goods) for reasons beyond its control.
Examples of force majeure in a Sentence
Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 8 Apr. 2025
The Gulf and East Coast LNG sites also face hurricane risks, which could lead to long-term force majeure events and rising insurance costs.
—Robert Rapier, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
According to a mix of Academy members, studio executives, and Oscars strategists, the chances of the Academy Awards being postponed at this point are slim to none, barring some cataclysmic escalation of the current force majeure.
—Chris Lee, Vulture, 21 Jan. 2025
The ticket also includes a clause that prevents the company from being held liable for anything that happens to you owing to force majeure, like an unexpected storm or illness, piracy, war, revolution, extortion, terrorist action or threat, hijacking, or bombing.
—Bridget Read, Curbed, 18 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for force majeure
Cite this Entry
“Force majeure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/force%20majeure. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.
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force majeure
noun
French, superior force
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