What is it?
Single is a quantifier and adjective in contract language that governs exclusivity, individual obligation, and non-delegable duties. It determines whether rights and responsibilities are personal or can be shared or transferred.
single
UCC / CommercialLegal glossary term
Quick answer
Single usually means one and only one, not shared. In contracts, it matters because it creates individual obligations that cannot be delegated. Before signing, check if 'single' means exclusive to you or merely not plural.
Definitions
What is single?
Legal Definition
Single means one and only one, not multiple or shared. It creates exclusive rights or obligations that cannot be delegated to others. The key distinction practitioners care about is whether 'single' implies absolute exclusivity or merely denotes non-plurality.
Plain-English Translation
Think of 'single' as a personal permission slip for just you - not one you can share with friends or hand to someone else.
Contract relevance
Why single matters in contracts
Ignoring whether 'single' means exclusive or merely not plural risks voiding contract provisions or creating unintended joint liability. The party relying on exclusivity bears this risk if the term is ambiguous.
Document context
Where single appears in documents
| Document type | Section | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| License agreement | Grant clause | Defines scope of permitted use |
| Employment contract | Compensation section | Determines bonus eligibility |
| Partnership agreement | Profit distribution | Affects distribution calculations |
| Non-disclosure agreement | Confidentiality obligations | Determines if information can be shared |
| Service agreement | Service level provisions | Specifies if service provider can subcontract |
| Real estate lease | Common areas | Defines tenant rights to shared spaces |
Contract language
Common contract wording
| Contract wording | Plain-English meaning | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| "Single payment due on completion" | One payment total | Check if multiple partial payments are permitted |
| "Single point of contact" | One designated person | Verify if substitutes are allowed |
| "Single source supplier" | Only one vendor | Confirm backup suppliers are permitted |
| "Single use license" | For one-time application | Check if reuse constitutes infringement |
Red flags
Red flags to watch for
Wording examples
Clearer wording examples
Vague wording
"Single"
Clearer wording
"Single and non-transferable"
Vague wording
"Single"
Clearer wording
"Single but assignable"
Note: “clearer” means easier to read — not legally reviewed or guaranteed safe.
Pre-signature checklist
What to check before signing
1
Verify if 'single' means exclusive to you
2
Determine if obligations under 'single' can be delegated
3
Check if 'single' permits sharing with employees or contractors
4
Confirm whether 'single' allows use across multiple locations
5
Identify if 'single' rights survive termination
6
Determine if 'single' obligations continue beyond contract term
7
Check if 'single' applies to all contract provisions or specific ones
8
Verify if 'single' includes any exceptions or limitations
Party impact
How single affects each party
| Party | What this party should check |
|---|---|
| Licensor | Ensure 'single' doesn't unintentionally permit multiple uses |
| Licensee | Verify if 'single' license can be shared or transferred |
| Employer | Confirm 'single' position designation doesn't create implied non-delegation rights |
| Employee | Determine if 'single' role limits advancement opportunities |
| Landlord | Specify if 'single' tenant includes family members |
| Tenant | Clarify if 'single' occupancy permits guests |
Comparison
single vs similar terms
| Related term | Plain meaning | Main difference from single |
|---|---|---|
| Sole | Exclusive to one party | Stronger than single, implies complete exclusion |
| Joint | Shared by multiple parties | Opposite of single |
| Individual | Pertaining to one person | Similar to single but less specific about exclusivity |
| Exclusive | Limited to one entity | Similar to single but more comprehensive |
| Non-transferable | Cannot be delegated | Related to single but focuses on transferability rather than quantity |
Missing or vague
If single is missing or vague
If 'single' is undefined or vague, disputes may arise over whether rights can be shared with family members or business partners.
Courts may interpret 'single' as merely not plural rather than exclusive, leading to unintended delegation of obligations.
Parties may disagree on whether 'single' permits use across multiple locations or time periods.
The absence of clarification could result in costly litigation over the scope of what was intended to be a single-use license or a single point of contact.
Without clear definition, parties may assume different interpretations about whether 'single' rights are personal or can be transferred.
Document map
Document section map
| Contract section | What to inspect |
|---|---|
| Definitions | Where 'single' should be explicitly defined |
| Payment terms | For single payment obligations |
| Grant clause | For single rights or licenses |
| Confidentiality | For single source of information |
| Termination | For single opportunity to cure |
| Representations | For single point of contact |
| Limitation of liability | For single occurrence coverage |
| Governing law | For single jurisdiction clause |
Visual model
Understand single fast
01
Landlord grants tenant single parking space | Tenant cannot assign parking to guest | Breach occurs when tenant allows friend to use space
02
Manufacturer offers single distributor for territory | Distributor attempts to sublicense to local retailers | Manufacturer terminates agreement for territorial violation
03
Employer offers single stock option grant | Employee attempts to transfer option to family member | Option becomes void upon attempted transfer
Document context
How single shows up in legal documents
Why does it matter?
Ignoring whether 'single' means exclusive or merely not plural risks voiding contract provisions or creating unintended joint liability. The party relying on exclusivity bears this risk if the term is ambiguous.
When does it matter?
The significance of 'single' becomes critical when obligations are delegated, rights are transferred, or multiple parties claim benefits under a contract. It matters when a breach occurs involving what should have been a single obligation.
Where is it usually seen?
Single appears prominently in contract definitions, partnership agreements, employment contracts, and licensing agreements. Courts scrutinize it in cases involving joint and several liability, exclusivity provisions, and non-compete covenants.
Who is affected?
The licensor must verify whether rights granted are single-use or transferable. The licensee risks infringing exclusivity terms if treating a single license as shareable. The indemnitor needs clarity on whether obligations are single or joint.
How does it work?
First, identify all instances where 'single' appears in the contract. Then, determine if it modifies rights, obligations, or remedies. Finally, assess whether the context suggests exclusivity or merely non-plurality, as this affects interpretation of related terms like 'sole' and 'joint.'
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Wikipedia
External reference for single
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Where single connects to real contract work
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Source & disclosure
This page is an AI-assisted plain-English explanation based on LexPredict Legal Dictionary context and contract-review patterns. It is not legal advice. Meaning may vary by jurisdiction, industry, and exact clause wording.
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