Condition Precedent Definition: A contractual condition that suspends the coming into effect of a contract unless or until a certain event takes place. Related Terms: Innominate Terms A contractual condition that suspends the coming into effect of a contract unless or until a certain event takes place. Also in reference to a events which must occur before being eligible for other legal rights such as in Canada, an immigrant has to pass through the stage of permanent resident before applying for citizenship. Many residential real estate contracts have a condition precedent which states that the contract is not binding until and unless the property is subjected to an professional inspection, the results of which are satisfactory to the purchaser. Compare with condition subsequent. REFERENCES & FURTHER READING Re Going (DLR, 1951) Categories & Topics: Contract Law Dictionary Find you are constantly looking up definitions? Try our search provider (works in most modern browsers) If you find an error or omission in Duhaime's Legal Dictionary, or if you have legal term suggestion, we'd love to hear from you!