In contract law, which term refers to the sufficiency of contract fulfillment?

The term that accurately refers to the sufficiency of contract fulfillment is substantial performance. Substantial performance occurs when a party fulfills enough of its contract obligations to warrant payment, even if it has not completed every single provision as specified in the contract. This doctrine recognizes that minor deviations from the exact terms of the agreement should not prevent a party from receiving payment for the work that has been satisfactorily completed.

This concept is especially relevant in construction contracts, where it is understood that perfection may not be achievable, but the essential purpose of the contract has been met. This can lead to a situation where the performing party is entitled to a portion of the contract price, with deductions made only for the minor deficiencies.

The other terms, while they may be related to performance in some capacity, do not capture the same legal framework related to the sufficiency of contract fulfillment. Complete performance implies that all terms of the contract have been fulfilled without any deviations. Partial performance suggests that only a fraction of the contract has been executed, which does not equate to fulfilling the contractual obligations sufficiently. Adequate performance is not a term commonly recognized in contract law to describe fulfillment levels.