Find undefined terms in contracts
AI scans contracts and highlights capitalized terms that lack definitions. Catch missing definitions before signing.
Find undefined terms in contracts
River's Defined Term Finder scans contracts and identifies capitalized terms that lack definitions. Contracts use defined terms (capitalized words with specific meanings) to create precision and avoid repetition. However, undefined capitalized terms create ambiguity and interpretation disputes. The AI identifies terms that appear to be defined terms (capitalized mid-sentence) but lack corresponding definitions. It adds comments marking each undefined term. Within minutes, you see every missing definition. Perfect for contract reviewers ensuring completeness, paralegals checking drafts, and attorneys catching definition gaps.
Unlike manual review that might miss terms used only once or twice, systematic AI scanning finds all capitalized terms and checks whether they're defined. The AI identifies true undefined terms while ignoring proper nouns (company names, product names) and standard capitalized words (days of the week, months). You get focused identification of terms that should be defined but aren't.
This tool is perfect for contract reviewers checking completeness, paralegals finalizing contracts, attorneys editing drafts, and anyone ensuring contract precision. Use it before signing contracts, during contract drafting, when reviewing vendor agreements, or whenever contracts use defined terms. Great for training junior attorneys on the importance of complete definitions. The AI creates systematic review catching missing definitions that create ambiguity.
Why Defined Terms Matter in Contracts
Defined terms create precision by giving specific meanings to terms used repeatedly in contracts. Instead of writing 'the software product licensed under this agreement' twenty times, you define 'Licensed Software' once and use that shorthand throughout. Defined terms reduce ambiguity, save space, and improve readability. However, undefined capitalized terms create confusion. If a contract refers to 'Deliverables' (capitalized) but never defines it, parties might disagree about what Deliverables means. Complete, clear definitions prevent interpretation disputes.
Capitalization signals that a term is defined. Contracts typically define key terms in a Definitions section or inline when first used (e.g., 'the software product (the "Software")'). Once defined, the term is capitalized throughout to signal it has a specific meaning. Readers encountering a capitalized term expect to find a definition. If no definition exists, they're left guessing whether the term has special meaning, whether it's defined elsewhere, or whether it's an error. Undefined terms create ambiguity that can lead to disputes or litigation.
Common errors include using capitalized terms before defining them, defining terms but using inconsistent capitalization, and referring to defined terms that don't exist. Good contract drafting ensures every capitalized term (except proper nouns) is defined somewhere in the contract. Check definitions at the beginning of the contract, look for inline definitions where terms first appear, and verify every capitalized term used in the contract body appears in your defined terms list. Missing definitions are easy to create when cutting and pasting between contracts or when deleting provisions without checking if other sections reference the deleted defined terms.
What You Get
Comprehensive scan finding all undefined terms
Comments marking each capitalized term without definition
Identification of terms that appear to be defined but aren't
Focus on true undefined terms (ignores proper nouns)
Systematic check of definition completeness
How It Works
- 1Upload contractProvide contract to scan for undefined terms
- 2AI scans documentOur AI identifies capitalized terms and checks for definitions in 2-3 minutes
- 3Review undefined termsSee comments marking each term lacking a definition
- 4Add missing definitionsDefine terms or remove improper capitalization
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as an undefined term?
A term that's capitalized in the middle of sentences (suggesting it's a defined term) but has no definition in the contract. For example, if the contract says 'Company shall deliver the Prototype' but never defines 'Prototype,' that's an undefined term creating ambiguity. However, proper nouns (company names, product brands, geographic locations) and conventional capitalizations (Monday, January, Congress) aren't undefined terms requiring definitions. The tool focuses on terms that appear to be contract-specific defined terms but lack definitions.
Where should definitions appear?
Contracts typically define terms in: (1) a Definitions section at the beginning or end, (2) inline when the term first appears (e.g., 'the licensed software (the "Software")'), or (3) within the specific clause using the term. For short contracts, inline definitions work well. For long contracts, a consolidated Definitions section improves usability. Both approaches are acceptable as long as every defined term is actually defined somewhere. The tool checks all common definition locations.
What if a term seems obvious and doesn't need definition?
If a term doesn't need special definition, don't capitalize it. Capitalization signals that a term has a specific meaning beyond its ordinary usage. If 'services' just means ordinary services, write it lowercase. If 'Services' means the specific services described in Exhibit A, capitalize and define it. When you capitalize terms unnecessarily, readers waste time looking for definitions. Use capitalization sparingly for terms that truly need specific meanings. Overcapitalization makes contracts harder to read without improving clarity.
Can I just add definitions for flagged terms?
Yes, if the terms need definitions. However, sometimes the issue is improper capitalization rather than missing definitions. If a term doesn't need special meaning, remove the capitalization instead of adding an unnecessary definition. Too many defined terms make contracts unwieldy. Define only terms that: (1) are used repeatedly, (2) have specific meanings different from ordinary usage, or (3) require precision to avoid ambiguity. Don't define every noun in your contract.
What if I'm using a defined term from another section?
That's fine as long as the term is actually defined somewhere in the contract. The tool scans the entire document looking for definitions. If a term is defined in the Definitions section, it can be used throughout the contract. However, if you're incorporating terms from other documents by reference ('capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings given in the Master Agreement'), that creates ambiguity. Readers of this contract can't understand it without the other document. Either define terms in this contract or explicitly state they're defined elsewhere.
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