loophole Definition
- 1an ambiguity or inadequacy in the law or a set of rules
- 2a way of avoiding a rule, obligation, or responsibility, especially one that is unfair or unscrupulous
Using loophole: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "loophole" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The company found a loophole in the tax laws and avoided paying millions of dollars.
Example
He exploited a loophole in the contract to get out of the deal.
Example
The new policy has several loopholes that need to be addressed.
Example
The lawyer argued that his client's actions were legal due to a loophole in the law.
loophole Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for loophole
- outlet
- technicality
- exemption
- escape clause
- loophole in the law
Antonyms for loophole
Idioms Using loophole
an ambiguity or inadequacy in the law that allows for a certain behavior or action
Example
The lawyer argued that his client's actions were legal due to a loophole in the law.
to escape or avoid something by taking advantage of an ambiguity or inadequacy in the law or a set of rules
Example
The defendant slipped through the loophole in the contract and avoided paying damages to the plaintiff.
an ambiguity or inadequacy in the law or a set of rules that allows for a certain behavior or action
Example
The new policy has several loopholes for abuse that need to be addressed.
Phrases with loophole
Example
The government is working to close a loophole in the tax code that allows corporations to avoid paying taxes.
to discover a way of avoiding a rule, obligation, or responsibility, especially one that is unfair or unscrupulous
Example
He found a loophole in the company's attendance policy that allowed him to take extra days off without penalty.
Example
The company exploited a loophole in the environmental regulations to avoid costly cleanup measures.
Origins of loophole
from Middle English 'loupe', meaning 'opening in a wall for a gun'
Summary: loophole in Brief
The term 'loophole' [ˈluːphəʊl] refers to an ambiguity or inadequacy in the law or a set of rules, often exploited to avoid a rule, obligation, or responsibility. It can be used in phrases like 'close a loophole,' 'find a loophole,' and 'exploit a loophole.' 'Loophole in the law' denotes an ambiguity or inadequacy in the law that allows for a certain behavior or action, while 'slip through the loophole' means to escape or avoid something by taking advantage of an ambiguity or inadequacy in the law or a set of rules.
