loophole
loophole Lexical Profile
loophole Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An ambiguity, omission, or inadequacy in a law, contract, or set of rules that allows someone to evade an obligation, restriction, or penalty.
"The corporation hired a team of clever accountants to find a tax loophole and legally save millions of dollars."
A narrow vertical slit or small opening in a wall or fortification through which weapons can be fired or light and air admitted.
"The medieval castle's thick stone walls were pierced by narrow loopholes, allowing archers to safely defend the courtyard from attackers."
Word Origin & Etymology
Late 16th century: from 'loop' (in the older, specialized sense of a narrow slit or window in a wall) + 'hole'. The metaphorical sense of an ambiguity providing a means of escape or evasion emerged in the 1660s.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.