What happens if the offeree fails to accept the offer by a deadline?

When an offeree fails to accept an offer by a specified deadline, the offer lapses and is no longer binding. This is grounded in the principles of contract law, which state that offers are only valid for a specific period of time unless stated otherwise. If the offeree does not communicate acceptance within that timeframe, the offer is considered expired, and the original offeror is no longer obligated to keep the offer open or to any terms that may have been proposed.

This principle ensures that both parties have clarity and can plan accordingly, as it prevents uncertainty about whether an offer is still available. The law promotes the need for prompt acceptance to confirm the mutual decision-making process necessary to form a valid contract. In this context, if the offer gets declined or simply ignored beyond the deadline, it is a clear termination of the opportunity to accept that specific offer.