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Action — in plain language

a lawsuit or court case

From a fixed, curated glossary of 7,257 legal terms. Not legal advice. How it's made: plainlanguage.us/trust

Plain language

a lawsuit or court case

  • lawsuit
  • court case
  • legal proceeding
  • suit

What to watch for

  • In contracts, 'action' often means 'steps to take,' not 'lawsuit.' Translating 'further action' as 'further lawsuit' would be wrong.
  • 'Cause of action' is a specific legal term meaning the legal grounds for a lawsuit — do not translate 'cause' and 'action' separately.
  • The phrase 'no action shall be brought' means 'no lawsuit can be filed,' not 'no steps should be taken.'
  • In legal notices, 'action' usually refers to a lawsuit, but in procedural clauses, it often means required steps or measures.

Context Determines Meaning. The word "action" has different meanings depending on where it appears. In court documents and legal notices, it almost always means "lawsuit." In contracts and procedural clauses, it often means "steps that need to be taken" or "required measures."

Distinguishing from Similar Terms.

  • Cause of action: This is the legal basis for a lawsuit, not the lawsuit itself.
  • Suit: A direct synonym for action in the lawsuit sense.
  • Proceeding: A broader term that can include hearings, trials, and other court activities.

What to Watch For.

  • Contract clauses: Look for phrases like "further action," "required action," or "action by the Board" — these typically refer to steps or measures, not lawsuits.
  • Legal notices: Phrases like "action has been brought" or "no action shall be brought" refer to lawsuits.
  • Defined terms: Many contracts define "Action" or "Enforcement Action" specifically — follow the contract's definition.

A lawsuit or court case that is brought before a judge to resolve a dispute. When someone files an action, they are asking the court to make a legal decision about their claim.

Meanings by context

contracts and business documents: steps that need to be done

everyday English: something you do

Examples

Legal: in any threatened, pending or completed action, suit, arbitration, alternative

Plain: in any threatened, pending, or completed lawsuit, court case, arbitration, or other legal proceeding

Legal: Enforcement Action means any action to enforce any Obligations or Loan

Plain: Enforcement Action means any lawsuit to enforce any Obligations or Loan

Legal: without any further action on the part of the Company or the Grantee

Plain: without any further steps needed from the Company or the Grantee

Where you'll see it

  • court filings
  • legal notices
  • contract clauses
  • insurance policies
  • employment agreements
  • cause of action
  • lawsuit
  • proceeding
  • suit
  • case

Word details

Pronunciation
AK-shun
Part of speech
noun
Origin
Latin — from 'actio' — a doing, driving, or performing
Domains
civil procedure, contract law, criminal law, administrative law
Frequency
very common
Formality
high

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