Which describes a contract that is no contract at all?

• A. Executed contract
• B. Void contract
• C. Voidable contract
• D. Valid contract

Answer: (B)

When a contract has no legal effect from the start, it is void. That means there was never a binding obligation to begin with due to missing or unlawful elements—such as an illegal subject matter, impossibility, or a lack of capacity or genuine agreement. Because it’s deemed void, neither party can be compelled to perform, and the agreement cannot be enforced or ratified later.

This differs from an executed contract, where the promises have already been carried out, or a valid contract, which has all the required elements and is enforceable. It also differs from a voidable contract, which is valid and enforceable at first but can be annulled later at the option of one party.