loophole

noun

loop·hole | \ ˈlüp-ˌhōl

Definition of loophole

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : a small opening through which small arms may be fired

b : a similar opening to admit light and air or to permit observation

2 : a means of escape especially : an ambiguity or omission in the text through which the intent of a statute, contract, or obligation may be evaded

loophole

verb

loopholed; loopholing; loopholes

Definition of loophole (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to make loopholes in

Examples of loophole in a Sentence

Noun

She took advantage of a loophole in the tax law. His attorney has been hunting for a loophole that would allow him to get out of the deal. tried to close a loophole in the new legislation

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Essentially, WordPress’ ToS is filled with loopholes for abusers to spread misinformation. — Shannon Liao, The Verge, "WordPress removes several alt-right blogs that spread Sandy Hook conspiracies," 17 Aug. 2018 Newland said the building should have been considered for historical eligibility in La Mesa, but a procedural loophole allowed the city to OK a permit for demolition. — Karen Pearlman, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Iconic La Mesa dealership, the Roundhouse of Values, being demolished," 26 June 2018 But the attorney general’s office for Washington state, which is taking the lead on the lawsuit, said the new order won’t do anything to help families already separated and was filled with loopholes. — Ian Duncan, baltimoresun.com, "Maryland attorney general plans to sue Trump administration over treatment of families at the border," 21 June 2018 Two consecutive five-year terms, but a loophole allows a third term if parliament calls snap elections sometime during the second term. — Bloomberg.com, "How Erdogan Made Turkey's Next Election Like No Other," 2 May 2018 And now the loophole is coming into play in the case of one of Malloy’s current nominees, former Democratic state Sen. Eric Coleman of Bloomfield. — Jon Lender, courant.com, "Jon Lender: Loophole Would Give Ex-Senator $110,000 Annual Pension After 3 Years As Judge," 28 Apr. 2018 One loophole is that there's currently no way to block someone from iMessaging your Mac. — Kif Leswing, WIRED, "Silence Is Golden: A Guide to Blocking Calls and Texts in iOS 11," 20 Mar. 2018 As explained by Vox, New Zealand gun laws are stricter than those in the United States, but loopholes exist for people who may want to avoid registering guns. — Lucy Diavolo, Teen Vogue, "New Zealand Lawmakers Are Changing Gun Laws in Response to the Christchurch Mosque Attacks," 18 Mar. 2019 He is currently allowed to live there rent-free under certain legal loopholes in NYC's 1982 Loft Law, which was initially meant to protect struggling artists and low-income tenants from being evicted. — Elizabeth Gulino, House Beautiful, "Here’s How Emily Ratajkowski Got Out of Paying Her $5k Rent," 5 Mar. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'loophole.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

11 Apr 2019

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The first known use of loophole was in 1591

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More Definitions for loophole

loophole

noun

Financial Definition of loophole

What It Is

A loophole is an exception that allows a system to be circumvented or avoided. It usually refers to legal, taxation, or security strategies that are exploited for personal gain.

How It Works

Loopholes are failures of a system to account for all conditions, variables, or exceptions. To illustrate a legal loophole, consider a local development law that requires even an unoccupied building to pay real estate taxes so long as it receives a certificate of completion. In order to avoid paying taxes, a builder may exploit this loophole and choose not to "complete" the building.

An example of a tax loophole is the tax break for small businesses who invest in "heavy vehicles". The tax break applies if the vehicle is used at least 50% of the time for the business. Business owners may exploit this loophole by upgrading their own vehicles to SUVs, which are considered "heavy" under the tax law, and thereby gain a personal financial advantage.

In most instances, loopholes that lead to excessive abuse are corrected by subsequent regulations and laws.

Why It Matters

While loopholes may save money or allow a purchase that would otherwise not be economical, the use of loopholes is considered questionable. Exploiting loopholes may lead to intensive scrutiny and audits, or even just a feeling of bad faith. For example, a tax payer should be aware when a tax consultant advises of specific tax advantage of whether the advantage is claimed on the basis of an allowable deduction or a loophole.

Source: Investing Answers

loophole

noun