An engaging-force control apparatus for a friction-engagement element controls a slip rotational speed between an input-side rotational speed and an output-side rotational speed of the friction-engagement element by increasing or decreasing an engaging force of the friction-engagement element. The engaging-force control apparatus includes an engaging-force feedback control section configured to control the engaging force of the friction-engagement element to bring the slip rotational speed of the friction-engagement element closer to 0 by way of feedback control; and an engaging-force restricting section configured to restrict the engaging force of the friction-engagement element to prevent the engaging force from exceeding a minimum engaging-force value necessary to maintain the slip rotational speed at 0.