breach noun — Definition, usage examples, and legal meaning

A breach is a failure to perform an action or duty required by law, regulation, or agreement.

He was sued for breach of contract.
The court's decision represents a breach of the European Convention.

The term is most often used in legal and formal contexts to describe situations where an obligation, rule, or agreement has been violated.

Breach of contract: When one party fails to meet the agreed terms.
Breach of duty: Failure to act according to one’s legal or moral responsibilities.
In breach of something: Acting contrary to an agreement, law, or standard.

A breach refers to breaking or ignoring a legal, contractual, or moral obligation, often leading to legal consequences.

Oxford Learner's Dictionaries — 2025-11-26