Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Capable of being enforced: Describes something, typically a law, rule, contract, or right, that can be made effective or complied with, often through legal authority or compulsion. It implies the existence of mechanisms to ensure obedience or implementation.

Usage

• The term is primarily used in legal, contractual, and regulatory contexts.
• It describes the quality of a rule or agreement that has legal standing and can be upheld by authorities (e.g., courts, police, regulatory bodies).
• It is often contrasted with terms like "unenforceable" or "void."

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The new traffic regulations are only effective if they are enforceable.
  • A contract clause that is against public policy is not enforceable in court.
  • The judge ruled that the agreement was enforceable and ordered the company to comply.

Advanced Usage

• "Legally enforceable": A common collocation emphasizing that something can be upheld in a court of law.
  • The parties signed a legally enforceable non-disclosure agreement.
• "Practically enforceable": Refers to whether a rule can be enforced in reality, considering practical constraints like resources or monitoring.
  • While the ban exists, it is not practically enforceable across the entire border.

Variants and Related Words

• Enforce (verb): To compel observance of or compliance with (a law, rule, or obligation).
  • The agency has the power to enforce the standards.
• Enforcement (noun): The act of enforcing; the process of compelling observance.
  • The enforcement of the new policy will begin next month.
• Enforcer (noun): A person or group that ensures rules are obeyed.
• Unenforceable (adjective): Not capable of being enforced.
  • The old law was declared unenforceable.

Synonyms

• Binding: Imposing a legal or moral obligation.
• Executory: (In law) Designed to be carried into effect.
• Valid: Legally binding or acceptable.

Antonyms

• Unenforceable: Incapable of being enforced.
• Void: Having no legal force or effect; invalid.
• Invalid: Not legally acceptable or binding.

Related Phrases

• "To be held enforceable": A formal phrase used in legal judgments to declare that a rule or contract can be enforced.
  • The arbitration clause was held enforceable by the Supreme Court.
• "Right to enforce": The legal authority to ensure compliance.
  • The licensor retains the right to enforce the terms of the agreement.

Adjective

1. capable of being enforced