Define: Gentleman’s Agreement

A gentleman’s agreement is an informal and non-binding agreement or arrangement between parties, typically based on trust, honour, and mutual understanding rather than formal legal documentation. It is often used in business or social contexts where parties prefer to rely on their personal integrity and verbal assurances rather than legal contracts. Gentleman’s agreements may cover various matters, such as business deals, trade arrangements, or personal agreements, and they are usually based on mutual respect, goodwill, and a desire to maintain harmonious relationships. While gentleman’s agreements are not legally enforceable in a court of law, parties involved are expected to uphold their commitments out of respect for their reputation and integrity. However, because they lack the legal protections of formal contracts, gentleman’s agreements can be difficult to enforce if disputes arise.

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This glossary post was last updated: 29th March 2024.