Legal Definitions - more or less

The legal phrase "more or less" is used to indicate that a stated quantity, measurement, or number is an estimate rather than an exact, precise figure. When included in a contract or other legal document, it signifies that the parties involved acknowledge and accept that the actual amount might vary slightly from what is specified.

This phrase is typically employed when achieving an absolutely precise measurement is difficult, impractical, or unnecessary at the time the agreement is made. Its purpose is to prevent either party from claiming a breach of contract or seeking compensation for minor discrepancies in the quantity delivered or described. Essentially, "more or less" allows for a reasonable margin of error, reflecting a good-faith representation of the quantity.

Here are some examples illustrating the application of "more or less":

• Construction Material Delivery:

  Imagine a construction company orders a large volume of concrete for a foundation. The contract specifies the delivery of "50 cubic yards of concrete, more or less."

  How it illustrates the term: This clause acknowledges that the exact volume of concrete poured might vary slightly due to factors like settling or minor adjustments on site. If the supplier delivers 49.7 cubic yards or 50.3 cubic yards, neither the construction company nor the supplier can claim a breach of contract or demand additional payment/refund for such a small difference. Both parties implicitly agreed to accept a reasonable variation around the 50 cubic yard estimate.

• Custom Manufacturing Order:

  A clothing designer places an order with a fabric mill for a specific textile, stating, "1,000 meters of organic cotton fabric, more or less."

  How it illustrates the term: Fabric production and cutting can sometimes result in minor variations from the exact specified length. By including "more or less," both the designer and the mill agree that receiving, for instance, 995 meters or 1,005 meters would still fulfill the contract. This prevents the designer from rejecting the entire shipment for a minor shortage or the mill from demanding extra payment for a slight overage, as both understood the quantity was an approximation.

• Agricultural Crop Sale:

  A farmer enters into an agreement to sell their upcoming harvest to a food distributor, with the contract stating, "The seller agrees to deliver 20 tons of organic blueberries, more or less, from the upcoming season's yield."

  How it illustrates the term: Agricultural yields are inherently unpredictable due to weather, pests, and other natural factors. The "more or less" clause accounts for these uncertainties. If the farmer's harvest yields 19.5 tons or 20.8 tons, the distributor cannot sue for a shortfall, nor can the farmer be forced to deliver an exact 20 tons if the harvest is slightly less. Both parties accepted the inherent variability in the crop's final quantity.