Contract Glossary
Unilateral Contract
Definition
A unilateral contract is a one-sided promise where only one party makes a commitment, and the other party accepts by performing a specific act — not by making a promise in return.
In Practice
A company posts a bug bounty program: 'Report a critical security vulnerability and we'll pay $10,000.' No one is obligated to look for bugs. But if a researcher finds and reports a qualifying vulnerability, the company is legally bound to pay. Insurance policies are another common example.
Common in these contract types
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Frequently asked questions about unilateral contract
In a bilateral contract, both parties exchange promises. In a unilateral contract, only one side makes a promise, and the other side accepts by doing something (performance). Most business contracts are bilateral.
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Create your contractThis content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For contracts with significant financial or legal implications, review by a qualified attorney is recommended.