Enforceability

/ɪnˈfɔrsəˈbɪləti/ noun

Definition

The quality or state of being able to be enforced; the degree to which a law, rule, or agreement can be made to be obeyed.

Etymology

From 'enforceable' (adjective) plus the suffix '-ity,' which creates abstract nouns from adjectives. The root 'force' comes from Latin 'fortis' meaning 'strong,' and 'enforce' means to make people obey with strength.

Kelly Says

Lawyers obsess over 'enforceability'—a contract might look perfect, but if it's not enforceable, it's worthless. The word became especially important in the 20th century when businesses needed to know exactly which laws they could actually be forced to follow.

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