unenforceable
Meaning
not able to be made effective or obeyed, especially because of a law or rule being impractical or unfair.
Structure
Usage
the contract clause was deemed unenforceable in court.
such a vague regulation is practically unenforceable.
they argued that the non-compete agreement was unenforceable under state law.
Etymology
The word 'unenforceable' is a Modern English legal term constructed from three distinct layers. The core, 'enforce,' entered English from Old French 'enforcier,' itself from Latin 'infortiare,' meaning "to strengthen," combining 'in-' (into) and 'fortis' (strong). The suffix '-able,' of Latin origin via French, was attached to form 'enforceable,' meaning "capable of being compelled." Finally, the Old English prefix 'un-,' a common Germanic negation, was prefixed to create the opposite meaning. Thus, the term's literal journey from "strong into" to "capable of being made strong" culminates in its abstract legal sense of "not capable of being made effective."
Analysis
un: a prefix of germanic origin (old english) meaning "not," serving a negating function. enforce: a verb of latin origin (via old french) from 'in' (in) + 'fortis' (strong), meaning to compel or give force to. able: a suffix of latin origin (via old french) from '-abilis,' indicating capacity or suitability.