Capable of being officially canceled or revoked; subject to annulment. This term describes something, often a law, agreement, or regulation, that can be eliminated or nullified through a formal legislative or administrative process. The presence of a 'repealable' aspect indicates that the subject is not considered permanent or immutable, implying the possibility of future revision or termination, whether due to changing circumstances, public pressure, or obsolescence. The word emphasizes the transient nature of the thing being described. It focuses on the legal or political capacity for removal, not necessarily the likelihood of it occurring.
Repealable meaning with examples
- The controversial new tax law was inherently repealable, as public outcry mounted and political opponents vowed to overturn it. Its widespread negative impact and perceived unfairness made it a prime candidate for eventual elimination through a successful legislative maneuver. Many believed its core tenets were deeply unpopular and lacked strong support.
- The contract clause was specifically written to be repealable within a five-year timeframe, providing an escape route for either party if the agreement proved economically unviable or if market conditions shifted drastically. This condition offered flexibility and mitigated long-term risks for all entities involved. Legal teams negotiated this condition during its initial drafting.
- The local zoning ordinance, a point of contention among residents, was fortunately deemed repealable. This designation allowed citizens to gather a petition, seeking a town vote on the ordinance, offering the community a path to potentially amend or scrap the law. This process helped resolve neighborhood disputes and address changes.
- Due to rapid technological advancements, the existing copyright legislation, though meticulously crafted, was considered repealable. Legal scholars and tech giants debated the necessity of modernizing or discarding older elements of the code to better address the digital landscape and the changing definition of ownership and IP.