What does exigible mean?
Exigible describes a sum, claim, or obligation that may lawfully be demanded or exacted from someone. The word is chiefly associated with legal and financial prose: a debt can become exigible at maturity, and an enforceable demand may be described as exigible. It is not a general synonym for urgently needed, despite its resemblance to exigent. In modern English it is rare and sounds formal or archaic, so a clearer phrase such as enforceable, due, or payable may be preferable outside technical contexts. The word is useful chiefly because it precisely conveys both the availability and the legal force of a claim: something exigible is not merely requested but subject to being demanded or collected. Its Latin ancestry links it to a family of English words including exact, exaction, exigent, and exigency, all concerned with pressing demands, requirements, or acts of exaction.
adjectiveCapable of being demanded, exacted, or enforced, especially of a debt, claim, or other legal obligation.
- Capable of being demanded, exacted, or enforced, especially of a debt or legal claim.
"The tribunal held that the claim was exigible and ordered the debtor to pay."
"Once the note matured, the outstanding balance was exigible and could be collected."
"The tribunal held that the claim was exigible and ordered the debtor to pay."
Exigible means a demand has the force of law behind it—not merely that someone wants it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does exigible come from?
The English adjective comes from Latin exigibilis, meaning “able to be demanded or exacted.” The Latin word was formed from exigere, “to demand, exact, or urge,” using the prefix ex- and the verb agere, “to do or drive.” The same Latin ancestry underlies cognates including exact, exaction, exigent, and exigency.
How exigible is actually used
Exigible is a rare, formal word used chiefly in legal and financial contexts. It should not be confused with exigent, which means urgent or demanding, or used as a general substitute for enforceable or payable.
Easily confused with exigible
Exigible means legally capable of being demanded or exacted, whereas eligible means qualified or permitted to receive something.