What does it mean if a contract is described as voidable?

A contract that is described as voidable means that one party to the contract has the right to affirm or reject the contract under certain circumstances. This typically occurs when there are issues such as misrepresentation, duress, undue influence, or a lack of capacity. The key aspect of a voidable contract is that it remains valid and can be enforced until the party with the right to void the contract chooses to do so.

This distinction is critical because it reflects a situation in which the contract holds legal weight, but one party has the power to cancel it if they decide to exercise that right. Once the party chooses to void the contract, it effectively becomes unenforceable.

In contrast, a contract that is completely enforceable without exceptions does not have the same vulnerabilities. A contract that has been ratified by both parties is affirmed and cannot be challenged. Lastly, an automatically void contract would hold no legal effect from the outset, differing from a voidable contract where one party can still choose to invalidate it at their discretion.