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Glossary

Hardship

civil-law

A change of circumstances that fundamentally alters the contractual balance, permitting renegotiation or adaptation.

In more detail

Recognised in the UNIDROIT Principles and in codes such as the German Störung der Geschäftsgrundlage and the French imprévision introduced in 2016. Unlike frustration, the typical remedy is judicial or negotiated adjustment rather than termination.

Related terms

  • force-majeure
  • frustration

See how this applies to you

Definitions are general. How a term operates depends on the jurisdiction you are in.