loophole
word
Definition
A small mistake or gap in a law or rule that allows people to avoid following it or get around its intent.
Usage & Nuances
Mostly refers to legal or official rules. Often used with 'find a loophole' or 'close a loophole.' Implies something unintended but technically legal. Not used for physical holes.
Spanish: vacío legal - resquicio legalPortuguese (BR): brecha legal - lacunaPortuguese (PT): brecha legal - lacunaChinese (Simplified): 漏洞（法律上的）Chinese (Traditional): 漏洞（法律上的）Hindi: कानूनी छेद - कानूनी खामीArabic: ثغرة قانونيةBengali: ফাঁকফোকর - আইনের ফাঁকRussian: лазейкаJapanese: 抜け穴Vietnamese: lỗ hổng pháp luậtKorean: 허점Turkish: açık - boşluk (hukuki)Urdu: قانونی سقم - راستہ (قانون میں خلا)Indonesian: celah hukum
Example Sentences
The company found a loophole in the tax law.
basic
He used a loophole to avoid paying the fine.
basic
The lawyer searched for a loophole in the contract.
basic
Politicians often promise to close every loophole in the law.
natural
There’s always someone looking for a clever loophole to get around the rules.
natural
Their lawyer exploited a tiny loophole that everyone else missed.
natural