What constitutes a "breach of contract"?

A breach of contract occurs when one party fails to fulfill their obligations as outlined in the agreement. This can involve not performing duties by the specified deadline, failing to deliver goods or services as promised, or not complying with the terms that both parties have mutually agreed upon. The essence of a contract is that it creates a legally binding obligation, and when one party does not adhere to that obligation, it constitutes a breach.

Providing incomplete information prior to entering into a contract relates more to issues of misrepresentation or fraud rather than a breach of contract itself. Negotiating terms after a contract is signed does not typically affect the validity of the existing contract unless all parties agree to a modification. Changing contractual parties without consent can implicate issues of assignment or delegation, but it is not inherently a breach of the original contract unless the contract specifically prohibits such action or the obligations cannot be fulfilled appropriately. Thus, failing to fulfill obligations under the agreement defines a breach clearly and directly.