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Contract & Commercial Law vocabulary · Breach & Remedies

Breach of contract

Meaning in contract & commercial law, with examples

nounCore term

In contract & commercial law, breach of contract means: Failure by a party to do what it promised in a contract, for example paying late, delivering faulty goods or not delivering at all.

In Turkish: sözleşme ihlali, sözleşmeye aykırılık, borca aykırılık

How it is used

The basis of most commercial disputes. A party 'is in breach of contract' or 'commits a breach', and the other side may 'sue for breach of contract'. The injured party can claim damages and, if the breach is serious enough, terminate.

Example sentences

  1. Delivering the goods two months late was a clear breach of contract.

  2. The distributor is suing the manufacturer for breach of contract.

Common collocations

  • sue for breach of contract
  • in breach of contract
  • claim for breach of contract
  • commit a breach
  • material breachA serious breach of contract that goes to the heart of the agreement and usually gives the other party the right to terminate.
  • damagesMoney that a court or tribunal orders one party to pay another as compensation for loss caused by a breach of contract or another legal wrong.
  • remedyA way the law helps a party whose rights have been breached, such as damages, specific performance, an injunction or termination.
  • terminateTo end a contract officially, for example because the other party has breached it, or by giving the notice that the contract allows.
  • obligationA duty that a party must perform under a contract or the law, such as paying the price, delivering goods or keeping information confidential.

More terms: Breach & Remedies

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not legal advice.