forbearance

Forbearance is the act of refraining from enforcing a claim or from punishing an offender, or more broadly, the patience and self-control shown in difficult situations. In legal and commercial contexts, forbearance describes a deliberate delay or postponement of a right or remedy that a creditor or legal holder could otherwise exercise. It is not a waiver of the underlying obligation, nor is it forgiveness of the debt; rather, it postpones enforcement under agreed conditions.

In finance, forbearance is a formal agreement by a lender to temporarily reduce or suspend debt payments due to hardship, often accompanied by requirements such as a repayment plan or a resumption of payments after a set period. Interest may continue to accrue or be capitalized, and the loan term may be extended. Forbearance can improve short-term cash flow for borrowers but can affect credit reporting and the terms of future lending.

In law, a court or party may grant forbearance through a stay or delay in proceedings, or through contractual forbearance clauses that limit the right to sue for a period. Forbearance typically requires mutual agreement or consideration; it does not extinguish the claim unless accompanied by a release or settlement.

Beyond legal and financial use, forbearance is also a moral or religious virtue emphasizing patience, tolerance, and restraint in the face of provocation or hardship.

Overall, forbearance centers on delaying or restraining action rather than eliminating obligations.