Legal Definitions - obligatory

Definition: Obligatory (pronounced uh-blig-uh-tawr-ee) is an adjective that means something is legally or morally binding. It can also mean that something is required or mandatory.

Examples:

• It is obligatory for citizens to pay their taxes.
• Attendance at the meeting is obligatory for all employees.
• The contract includes an obligatory clause that requires the parties to settle disputes through arbitration.

The first example illustrates the legal aspect of the definition, as citizens are legally required to pay their taxes. The second example shows how something can be mandatory, as attendance at the meeting is required. The third example demonstrates how an obligation can be created through a written agreement.