in lieu of

From Middle English in liue of, a partial calque of Old French au leu de (modern French au lieu de).

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ɪn ljuː əv/, /ɪn ljuː ɒv/
• (US) IPA^(key): /ɪn luː əv/, /ɪn luː ɑːv/

• Audio (Southern England):

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• Audio (US):

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in lieu of

1. Instead of; in place of.

   They gave him a cash award, in lieu of the promised prize package.

   • 2014 February 23, Julian Benson, quoting Gearbox spokesperson, “The strange case of Gearbox’s suit against 3D Realms and Interceptor”, in PCGamesN‎^[1], archived from the original on 15 February 2017:

     “Unfortunately for Interceptor—and any others who have relied upon 3DR’s personal assurances in lieu of federal registrations and the like—the 3DR Declaration makes it clear: 3DR no longer owns the unrestricted rights to Duke Nukem IP,and 3DR has no right or ability to make any agreements in violation of Gearbox’s exclusive rights.

   • 2025 October 1, “RAIL in focus: Railtour takes first passengers to Alstom's Widnes site”, in RAIL, number 1045, page 18, image caption:

     The first train carrying passengers to Alstom Transport Technology Centre in Widnes arrived on September 6. The Industria Ditat railtour from Watford Junction was operated by GB Railfreight 60087 and 57303. In lieu of an access fee, organiser UK Railtours made a donation to the centre's chosen charities, Halton Haven Hospice and Widnes Foodbank.

2. (proscribed) In light of.

   In lieu of recent events, more caution is needed.

• Using it to mean in light of is etymologically incorrect (it is literally in place of), and thus considered an error.^[1]