General legal information about contract terms in the UK, not legal advice.
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Frustration

A contract is frustrated when an unforeseen event makes performance impossible or radically different from what was agreed, through no fault of either party. The contract then ends automatically.

Prepared by a retired English qualified solicitor (LLB, LLM) · reviewed · applies across the UK unless stated · how we draft

In more detail

The doctrine is applied narrowly, which is why well-drafted contracts include a force majeure clause.

In Scotland

Scots law has an equivalent doctrine of frustration; the Law Reform (Frustrated Contracts) Act 1943 does not apply in Scotland, where the consequences are governed by common-law rules of unjustified enrichment.

Put it into a contract

Be Contract Wise provides very powerful, carefully prepared tools to draft and review simple or complex contracts under the law of England and Wales or Scots law, explaining every clause in plain English.

England & Wales appScotland app

Reviewed 2026-09-24. General legal information, not legal advice.