illusory promise

A promise that appears on its face to be so insubstantial as to impose no obligation on the promisor; an expression cloaked in promissory terms but actually containing no commitment by the promisor.

• An illusory promise typically, by its terms, makes performance optional with the promisor. For example, if a guarantor promises to make good on the principal debtor’s obligation “as long as I think it’s in my commercial interest,” the promisor is not really bound. [Cases: Contracts 10(1). C.J.S. Contracts §§ 105–106, 108–113.]

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词条贡献者

双语律师Terence，国际知名法学院法律专业，擅长翻译各类与油气、资源与采矿业相关的法律文件。