Annullable

Annullable describes something that is capable of being declared legally invalid and set aside, as if it never existed. This term usually applies to contracts, marriages, or legal documents that can be voided due to flaws, defects, or specific circumstances, such as fraud, duress, or lack of capacity. Determining if something is annullable depends on the specific jurisdiction and the details of the situation. It suggests the potential for a legal challenge and the possibility of a retrospective nullification. The process to annul typically requires a formal legal proceeding.

Annullable meaning with examples

• The company's acquisition of its competitor was considered annullable because it violated antitrust laws, potentially allowing regulators to reverse the deal. The authorities could declare the merger void. There would be huge legal challenges in trying to put everything back as it was. The impact would be severe.
• Due to the husband's undisclosed history of mental illness at the time of their wedding, the marriage was deemed annullable by the court, allowing the wife to seek a declaration of invalidity. This would allow her to avoid many issues.
• The terms of the contract were annullable if either party failed to fulfill their obligations within the specified timeframe, giving the non-breaching party recourse. The party that did not meet the deadlines faced financial penalties.
• The deed to the property was annullable because the seller had been proven to be mentally incapacitated during the transaction, making their agreement void. There was a long process of proving this at the time of the agreement.
• The results of the election were considered annullable due to evidence of widespread voter fraud, triggering calls for a recount and potentially overturning the outcome. The court cases are ongoing and there are lots of delays.