What type of contract is typically unenforceable due to lack of essential elements?

A contract that is considered unenforceable due to the absence of essential elements falls into the category of a void contract. Such a contract does not hold any legal effect from the beginning because it fails to meet the fundamental requirements necessary for a valid agreement, such as mutual consent, a lawful object, and consideration.

In legal terms, a contract is void if it lacks these essential elements, rendering it incapable of being enforced by either party. For instance, if a contract involves an illegal purpose or if one party was not competent to enter into the agreement, it would be deemed void.

On the other hand, an unconscionable contract refers to an agreement that is so one-sided that it is considered unfair, which can lead to it being voidable but not inherently unenforceable in the same way that a void contract is. A voidable contract is one that remains valid unless one party chooses to void it due to certain defects, such as misrepresentation or undue influence. A formal contract typically refers to a contract that adheres to specific legal standards or formalities but does not inherently imply it is unenforceable.

Thus, a void contract is the correct answer as it defines a contract that is unenforceable due to the clear absence