# What is a force majeure clause? > A force majeure clause excuses a party from a contract while events outside its control, like floods or war, stop it performing. What to check in yours. Source: https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/force-majeure-clause · Updated 2026-10-21 · Free from Stepthrough (https://learn.ynteractive.com) [Business](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary#topic-business) · [AI glossary](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary) Quick answer A force majeure clause excuses one or both sides from performing a contract while an event outside their control, such as a flood, fire, war or government order, makes performance impossible or seriously delayed. It usually lists the events, requires prompt notice and may allow termination if the event lasts too long. Last updated October 21, 2026 [Take the free module →](https://learn.ynteractive.com/courses/claude-jump-start/7)Module 7 of the free [Claude Jump Start](https://learn.ynteractive.com/courses/claude-jump-start) course, about 11 minutes. No account needed. Updated October 21, 2026 · By [Robert Breen](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/about) ## Why it matters for a small business When something big goes wrong, this clause decides who carries the cost. If your supplier cannot deliver because of a flood, a broad clause may excuse them, and you still need the goods from somewhere. If you cannot pay or perform, the clause may be what protects you. Either way, its exact words matter more than its title. The details vary a lot between contracts: which events count, whether a pandemic or a supplier failure is included, whether payment obligations are excused, how quickly notice must be given and how long the event can last before either side can walk away. Courts generally read these clauses narrowly, so a vague one may not cover what you expect. ## In a real lesson: Check a Contract for Red Flags with Claude The [contract red flags lesson](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/check-a-contract-for-red-flags-with-claude) reviews a managed IT contract for Harbor Lane Accounting, a made-up office, and focuses on auto-renewal, exit fees, the liability cap, price increases and indemnity. It does not cover force majeure, so treat this as a pattern for the same review. Add one line to the same request: "Find any force majeure clause. Quote it with its clause number, list the events it covers, the notice it requires, whether payments are excused and when either side can terminate. If there is none, write not in the contract." The rule from the lesson still applies: open the contract and check every quote yourself. [Try this lesson free](https://learn.ynteractive.com/modules/claude-contract-red-flags) or [read the step-by-step guide](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/check-a-contract-for-red-flags-with-claude). ## Common confusions ### Force majeure vs termination clause The [termination clause](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/termination-clause) says how a contract can be ended. Force majeure pauses or excuses performance during an event and sometimes adds a right to terminate if it drags on. ### Force majeure vs limitation of liability [Limitation of liability](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/limitation-of-liability-clause) caps how much one side pays when it fails. Force majeure can excuse the failure altogether for listed events. ## Tips - Check whether payment obligations are excused or only delivery and service. - Look for a notice deadline, such as notice within a set number of days of the event. - If the list of events matters to your business, such as supplier failure or cyberattack, ask whether it is included before you sign. ## Related terms [Termination clause](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/termination-clause) · [Limitation of liability clause](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/limitation-of-liability-clause) · [Indemnification clause](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/indemnification-clause) · [Contract review](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/contract-review) · [Master services agreement (MSA)](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/master-services-agreement) ## More Business terms [Form W-9](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/form-w-9) · [General ledger](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/general-ledger) · [Goods receipt](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/goods-receipt) · [Gross margin](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary/gross-margin) ## Where you use it: free lessons - [Check a Contract for Red Flags with Claude](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/check-a-contract-for-red-flags-with-claude) (Claude, 11 min) - [AI Contract Review in 10 Minutes using Foxit AI](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/review-a-client-contract-in-10-minutes-with-foxit-ai) (Foxit, 10 min) ## Frequently asked questions **What does force majeure mean?** It is French for "superior force." In a contract it means events outside the parties' control that excuse or delay performance, as listed in the clause. **Does force majeure cover a pandemic?** Only if the clause's words cover it, for example by naming epidemics or government orders. Read your own clause; there is no automatic answer. **Is an act of God clause the same as force majeure?** Mostly. "Act of God" usually means natural events. Force majeure clauses are often wider and can include war, strikes or government action. **Can AI find the force majeure clause in my contract?** Yes, as a first read. Ask for the clause number, the exact words and the events covered, check them yourself, and ask a lawyer what it means for your deal. [All AI glossary terms, A to Z](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/glossary) · [Free prompt templates](https://learn.ynteractive.com/content/prompts)