Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Capable of being declared null, invalid, or canceled: Describes a legal contract, agreement, or judgment that is initially valid but contains a defect or flaw which gives one of the parties the right to choose to have it annulled or set aside by a court.

Usage

• The term is primarily used in legal and formal contexts to describe agreements or decisions that are not automatically invalid but can be made so by the action of a wronged party.
• It is often contrasted with "void," which means invalid from the beginning, and "valid," which means fully enforceable.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The contract was deemed voidable because it was signed under duress.
  • A contract entered into by a minor is often voidable at the minor's option.
  • The court ruled the agreement was voidable, not void, meaning the injured party could choose to affirm it.

Advanced Usage

• "Voidable transaction": A transaction, such as a transfer of assets, that can be reversed under certain legal conditions, often in bankruptcy law.
  • The trustee sought to recover the payment as a voidable transaction under the bankruptcy code.
• "Voidable preference": A payment made by a debtor to one creditor before bankruptcy that can be undone to ensure fair treatment of all creditors.
  • The court found the payment to be a voidable preference and ordered the creditor to return the funds.

Variants and Related Words

• Void (adj.): Having no legal force or effect from the beginning; null.
  • A contract for an illegal purpose is void.
• Rescindable (adj.): Capable of being revoked, canceled, or annulled. (A close synonym for "voidable").
  • The clause was rescindable with 30 days' notice.
• Voidance (n.): The act of making something void or the state of being void.
• Avoid (v.): In legal context, to annul or cancel a voidable contract.

Synonyms

• Rescindable: Capable of being revoked or canceled.
• Reversible: Capable of being turned the opposite way or, in law, annulled.
• Cancelable: Capable of being called off or made void.

Antonyms

• Valid: Legally binding and enforceable.
• Irrevocable: Not capable of being changed or reversed.
• Enforceable: Capable of being compelled or carried out by law.

Adjective

1. capable of being rescinded or voided
   • the judgment was rescindable
   • voidable contracts