loophole: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal to Neutral
Quick answer
What does “loophole” mean?
An ambiguity, omission, or technicality in a law, rule, or contract that allows one to avoid complying with its intended purpose or spirit.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An ambiguity, omission, or technicality in a law, rule, or contract that allows one to avoid complying with its intended purpose or spirit.
Any small opening, such as a slit in a wall for looking or shooting through (original, now archaic). More broadly, any means of escape, evasion, or a gap in a system that can be exploited.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Identical negative connotations of exploiting a technical flaw.
Frequency
Equally common in both legal and general discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “loophole” in a Sentence
[Subject] exploits/finds/closes a loophole in [law/system/regulations].There is a loophole that allows [undesirable action].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “loophole” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not standard. Rarely used. Avoid.
American English
- Not standard. Rarely used. Avoid.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- Not standard. 'Loophole-closing legislation' is a compound modifier.
American English
- Not standard. 'Loophole-rich tax code' is a compound modifier.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Common in discussions of tax avoidance, compliance, and financial regulation.
Academic
Used in legal, political science, and sociology papers discussing policy implementation.
Everyday
Used when discussing rules, systems, or bureaucracy perceived as unfair.
Technical
Precise term in law and accountancy.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “loophole”
Strong
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “loophole”
- Confusing with 'loophold' or 'loophold'. Using it to mean a simple mistake rather than an *exploitable* flaw. Using it as a verb (incorrect: 'They loopholed the system'; correct: 'They exploited a loophole in the system').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A loophole is often a legal technicality. The action of exploiting it may be legal but considered unethical or against the spirit of the law.
They are very similar. A 'technicality' is often a minor procedural detail, while a 'loophole' is more specifically a gap in the substance of a rule that allows evasion of its intent.
No, it is not standard English. Use phrases like 'exploit a loophole' or 'find a loophole' instead.
From Middle English 'loupe' (meaning an opening in a wall) + 'hole'. The figurative sense emerged in the 17th century.
An ambiguity, omission, or technicality in a law, rule, or contract that allows one to avoid complying with its intended purpose or spirit.
Loophole is usually formal to neutral in register.
Loophole: in British English it is pronounced /ˈluːp.həʊl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈluːp.hoʊl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Drive a coach and horses through [something] (BrE, idiom for exploiting a large loophole)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a LOOP + HOLE. You can loop your way out of a rule through a small hole in its wording.
Conceptual Metaphor
LAWS/SYSTEMS ARE STRUCTURES (with gaps/holes). EXPLOITING A RULE IS NAVIGATING THROUGH A PHYSICAL GAP.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'loophole' LEAST likely to be used?