detrimental reliance

Reliance by one party on the acts or representations of another, causing a worsening of the first party’s position. • Detrimental reliance may serve as a substitute for consideration and thus make a promise enforceable as a contract. See promissory estoppel under ESTOPPEL. [Cases: Estoppel 55, 85, 87. C.J.S. Estoppel §§ 85–86, 90, 92–93.]