What constitutes a "breach of contract"?

A breach of contract occurs when one party fails to fulfill their obligations under the terms of the agreement without a valid legal reason. This violation can manifest in various forms, such as not paying on time, failing to deliver goods or services as specified, or not otherwise adhering to the expectations set forth within the contract.

Choosing failure to perform any term of a contract without a legitimate legal excuse captures the essence of a breach—highlighting the importance of adherence to contractual promises. A legitimate legal excuse may include circumstances like unforeseen events or changes in law that render performance impossible or impractical. However, if a party simply does not meet their contractual obligations without such a defense, it represents a breach.

When considering the other options, the focus is on contractual obligations. A failure to follow the contract format and a change in contract terms without mutual consent do not directly address the actual performance aspect of the contract, rather they pertain to procedural and formalistic errors. A delay in the execution of contract deliverables may or may not qualify as a breach depending on the specific terms of the contract and the reasons for the delay, so it doesn't encompass the broader implications of failing to perform as stipulated. Thus, the most comprehensive and accurate definition of a breach aligns with the failure