What Does ‘Reasonable Endeavours’ Mean in a Contract?

A reasonable endeavours clause requires a party to take reasonable steps to achieve an agreed outcome. It does not normally guarantee that the outcome will be achieved.

This explanation focuses on England and Wales.

Lowdown

Reasonable endeavours is a promise to make reasonable efforts towards an objective rather than guarantee the result. The steps required depend on the contract and circumstances. Some contracts define the term expressly, including by allowing a party to pursue one reasonable course where several options are available.^[1]

Why It Matters

Contracts also use phrases such as best endeavours and all reasonable endeavours. Do not assume these expressions have a fixed place on a universal scale.

Reasonable endeavours is useful where a party is expected to try to achieve something but does not control the result completely. Government contracts use the wording for a range of performance and operational obligations.^[2]

Before agreeing to the clause, check the exact objective, what is outside your control and whether the contract defines the steps you must take.

Our Conclusion

Reasonable endeavours requires a real effort, but the exact level of effort depends on the agreement. Read the obligation in context rather than relying on the label alone.

Sources

[1] Kirklees Council, Contract Conditions for Provision of Services

[2] UK Health Security Agency, Terms and conditions for the supply of goods and/or services