sunset clause: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical (Legal, Business, Political)
Quick answer
What does “sunset clause” mean?
A provision in a law, contract, or regulation that automatically terminates or repeals it on a specific date or after a defined period unless renewed.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A provision in a law, contract, or regulation that automatically terminates or repeals it on a specific date or after a defined period unless renewed.
A mechanism designed to ensure regular review and prevent laws or agreements from becoming obsolete; can also refer to similar time-bound termination provisions in software licenses, business partnerships, or project funding.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or spelling. In UK legal contexts, 'sunset provision' is equally common; in the US, 'sunset clause' is slightly more frequent.
Connotations
Neutral to slightly negative in public discourse, often associated with political manoeuvring or temporary measures.
Frequency
More frequent in US legal and political texts; in the UK, often found in EU-derived legislation (retained after Brexit) and commercial contracts.
Grammar
How to Use “sunset clause” in a Sentence
The sunset clause in [document] will [verb] on [date].[Subject] is subject to a sunset clause.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in joint-venture agreements to set an end date unless partners agree to continue.
Academic
Analyzed in political science regarding legislative efficiency and democratic oversight.
Everyday
Rare; might be encountered in news about lawmaking or rental contracts with fixed end dates.
Technical
Prevalent in legal drafting, software EULAs, and regulatory frameworks.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sunset clause”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sunset clause”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sunset clause”
- Using 'sunset clause' for any termination clause (it must be time-based and automatic).
- Misspelling as 'sunset cause'.
- Confusing with 'grandfather clause' (which protects existing arrangements).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A sunset clause is time-based and automatic; a 'termination for convenience' clause allows one party to end the contract at any time without cause.
Yes, typically through a renewal agreement or legislative action before the expiry date.
To force periodic review, prevent laws from becoming outdated, and limit government overreach by making temporary powers expire.
Not always; it can be triggered by an event (e.g., completion of a project) or after a defined period from enactment.
A provision in a law, contract, or regulation that automatically terminates or repeals it on a specific date or after a defined period unless renewed.
Sunset clause is usually formal, technical (legal, business, political) in register.
Sunset clause: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsʌn.set ˌklɔːz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsʌn.set ˌklɔz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Built-in obsolescence”
- “Tick-tock clause (informal, rare)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the sun setting on a law's effectiveness unless lawmakers 'renew' the day.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A CYCLE (like a day ending) / LEGAL PROVISIONS ARE MORTAL (have a built-in death).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is a 'sunset clause' LEAST likely to be used?