What term describes a violation of terms in a contract without a legal excuse?

A violation of terms in a contract without a legal excuse is best described as a breach of contract. This term specifically refers to situations where one party fails to fulfill their obligations as stipulated in the contract, causing harm or loss to the other party.

In legal contexts, a breach of contract can occur in various forms, including failure to deliver goods, failing to make payments, or not providing services as agreed. The significance of identifying a breach is critical, as it allows the non-breaching party to seek remedies, which may include damages or specific performance.

The other terms, while related, do not carry the same specific meaning. Non-performance, for example, generally refers to the failure to perform as required but may not imply a violation if there are acceptable legal excuses. Default often pertains to failing to fulfill a financial obligation, particularly in loans or mortgages, which is a narrower context than a breach of contract. Contractual violation might seem appropriate, but it is less commonly used in legal terminology. Breach of contract is the precise legal term that encompasses all violations of contractual terms without a valid legal justification.