Vocabulary Builder — Essay & Answer Writing
Fait Accompli
noun
/ fay-tuh-kom-PLEE /
Medium
Meaning
A thing that has already been done or decided before those affected can alter it; a done deal presented as irreversible
Origin / Etymology
French — literally 'accomplished fact'; from fait (done) + accompli (accomplished)
Synonyms
Done deal
Irreversible act
Accomplished fact
Foregone conclusion
Antonyms
Open question
Negotiable outcome
Pending decision
Example Sentence
"China's construction of artificial islands in the South China Sea was widely regarded as a fait accompli, leaving littoral states with limited legal recourse."
🎯 UPSC Usage
Highly useful in GS-2 (IR) and GS-3 (security) answers on territorial disputes, unilateral annexations, and diplomatic coercion. Apply when discussing Crimea, South China Sea, or India's rapid revocation of Article 370 — events where speed of action foreclosed reversal. Also useful in Essay paper to argue about democratic deficit when executive decisions pre-empt parliamentary debate.
Relevant Subjects