breach of contract: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Legal, Business
Quick answer
What does “breach of contract” mean?
A failure to perform any of the terms or obligations set out in a legally binding agreement without a valid legal excuse.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A failure to perform any of the terms or obligations set out in a legally binding agreement without a valid legal excuse.
A legal cause of action that arises when a party to a contract fails to fulfill its promised duties, potentially leading to remedies such as damages or termination. Figuratively, can imply any serious failure to meet a significant, formal promise.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in definition or core application. The procedural steps following a breach may vary slightly between common law jurisdictions. 'Material breach' is a key concept in both.
Connotations
Equally serious in both dialects; a formal, adversarial term implying broken trust and potential litigation.
Frequency
Equally common in legal and business contexts in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “breach of contract” in a Sentence
[Party] sued [Other Party] for breach of contract.The court found that [Action/Inaction] constituted a breach of contract.[Party] is alleging a breach of contract by [Other Party].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “breach of contract” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The supplier breached the contract by using substandard materials.
- If you breach these terms, your licence will be terminated.
American English
- The company breached the contract when it failed to make the final payment.
- Breaching the confidentiality clause could lead to a lawsuit.
adverb
British English
- N/A for this noun phrase.
American English
- N/A for this noun phrase.
adjective
British English
- The breach of contract claim was settled out of court.
- They sent a breach of contract notice to the tenant.
American English
- The breach-of-contract lawsuit dragged on for years.
- We're reviewing the breach of contract allegations.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Central to commercial disputes. E.g., 'The supplier's late delivery was ruled a material breach of contract.'
Academic
Discussed in law, economics, and business studies concerning obligations, trust, and remedies.
Everyday
Used when discussing serious formal disagreements, e.g., employment, property rental, or major purchases.
Technical
A precise legal term with defined elements (offer, acceptance, consideration, breach) and specific remedies (damages, specific performance, rescission).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “breach of contract”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “breach of contract”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “breach of contract”
- Using 'brach' or 'breech' (incorrect spelling).
- Using it as a verb (*'They breached of contract'). Correct: 'They breached the contract.'
- Confusing with 'breach of trust' or 'breach of peace', which are different legal concepts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A breach of contract specifically refers to a failure to perform duties outlined in a legally enforceable agreement. Informal promises are not contracts.
A breach is the wrongful act (failing to perform). Termination is a potential legal remedy or consequence available to the injured party because of the breach.
Yes, if it is a minor (non-material) breach, it may be 'cured' or remedied by the breaching party before it leads to termination. A material breach is often considered incurable in terms of preserving the original contract.
For any significant alleged breach, consulting a lawyer is essential. They can advise on the strength of the claim, potential remedies (damages, specific performance), and the required legal process.
A failure to perform any of the terms or obligations set out in a legally binding agreement without a valid legal excuse.
Breach of contract is usually formal, legal, business in register.
Breach of contract: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbriːtʃ əv ˈkɒn.trækt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbriːtʃ əv ˈkɑːn.trækt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A broken promise (less formal, non-legal)”
- “To go back on one's word (informal)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a contract as a strong wall of promises. A BREACH is a hole broken in that wall.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTRACT IS A BINDING STRUCTURE (breach = breaking/creating a hole in that structure). CONTRACT IS A PROMISSORY PATH (breach = deviating from the path).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most likely consequence of a 'material breach of contract'?