force majeure

noun

force ma·​jeure ˌfȯrs-mä-ˈzhər 

-mə-

1

: superior or irresistible force

2

: an event or effect that cannot be reasonably anticipated or controlled compare act of god

Did you know?

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Major suppliers will likely declare force majeure and raise prices, following the playbook of the four previous shortages over the past 20 years. —Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 18 Mar. 2026

Oil prices have spiked above $100 per barrel amid Iranian threats to maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and declarations of force majeure by both Kuwait and Bahrain, who argue events beyond their control have impeded their ability to deliver petroleum. —Michael M. Rosen, The Washington Examiner, 13 Mar. 2026

Bahrain’s national oil company declared force majeure for its shipments after an Iranian attack set its refinery complex ablaze. —Alex Veiga, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026

Its national oil company declared force majeure after the country’s sole oil refinery was attacked. —Elaine Kurtenbach, Fortune, 9 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, superior force

First Known Use

1883, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for force majeure

• amour
• auteur
• grandeur
• hauteur
• velour
• verdure
• voyeur
• doer
• poor
• poore
• raconteur

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!

Legal Definition

force majeure

noun

force ma·​jeure ˈfȯrs-ma-ˈzhər, -mȧ-ˈzhœ̅r 

1

: superior or insuperable force

2

: an event (as war, labor strike, or extreme weather) or effect that cannot be reasonably anticipated or controlled : fortuitous event compare act of god, inevitable accident

Etymology

French, superior force