Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

breach of contract

American  

noun

  1. unexcused failure to fulfill one's duties under a contract.

breach of contract Cultural  

  1. Failure to live up to the terms of a contract. The failure may provoke a lawsuit, in which an aggrieved party asks a court to award financial compensation for the loss brought about by the breach.

Etymology

Origin of breach of contract

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The trial will therefore focus on three smaller claims, including breach of contract and two relating to Lively’s allegations of retaliation.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026

Estée Lauder is suing Malone herself, Jo Loves and Zara's UK arm for trademark infringement and breach of contract.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

The remaining claims — centered on retaliation, along with breach of contract and related allegations — will proceed to trial.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

The judge left intact Blake Lively’s claims of retaliation by Wayfarer Studios, aiding and abetting, and breach of contract.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

Cofield accused Deborah, Speed, and the museum foundation of breach of contract for entering into an agreement that required him to have access to Henrietta’s medical records, then denying him access.

From "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.