Relating to the ability or right to renounce or relinquish a position of power, responsibility, or claim; capable of being given up or surrendered voluntarily. This often applies to monarchs, titles, privileges, or claims. The term highlights the inherent possibility of foregoing something, implying a freedom of choice regarding one's holding of something, or being 'abdicable', and therefore also implying the legitimacy and understanding of the process. The state of being 'abdicable' often includes a structured or understood process, the adherence to the constitution or the established protocol. In modern contexts, the term can also be broadened to encompass other formal renunciations, such as relinquishing corporate roles or citizenship, or even abstract concepts such as an ideology.
Abdicable meaning with examples
- The king's crown was, according to the constitution, abdicable. He held the right to voluntarily relinquish the throne at any point, ensuring a peaceful transition should he choose to do so, therefore, his position as king, was 'abdicable'. This clause protected the country, and respected the people.
- As the CEO's health deteriorated, the board of directors understood that the position was abdicable, and that the possibility for a successor to take over his role needed to be anticipated and facilitated in an appropriate way. They started the process of searching for the next CEO, ensuring a smooth transition.
- The treaty clearly stated that the disputed territory's sovereignty was abdicable. This meant that either nation could, under specified conditions, legally and voluntarily cede control, creating the possibility of peace, as it removed the need to hold it by force.
- The company's policy allowed for any member of management to have their shares abdicable at any moment. An important facet to corporate social responsibility, this clause meant that if they did not like where the business was headed, they could relinquish their shares.
- In the case of a legal dispute, a defendant's right to a claim, like certain benefits, was deemed abdicable; that is to say, the defendant could choose to forfeit their claim for a settlement in the case, or avoid a court case.