What is it?
A clause type in contracts that governs the completeness of performance obligations.
entire
Contract LawLegal glossary term
Quick answer
ENTIRE means a duty must be performed in full. In contracts, it matters because partial performance triggers breach. Before signing, check that the clause does not unintentionally limit your obligations.
Definitions
What is entire?
Legal Definition
An entire provision obligates a party to perform the full scope of a duty without partial performance. It creates a non‑divisible obligation, meaning the obligor must satisfy every element or face breach liability. Courts often scrutinize any carve‑out language that limits the scope.
Plain-English Translation
Think of a hall pass that lets you use the whole playground; you can’t just stay on the swings and skip the slide.
Contract relevance
Why entire matters in contracts
If a party treats the duty as divisible, the contract may be deemed breached and the non‑breaching party can claim damages; the obligor bears the risk.
Document context
Where entire appears in documents
| Document type | Section | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Master Services Agreement | Entire Scope of Work clause | Ensures full deliverables |
| Commercial Lease | Entire Premises clause | Prevents subleasing parts only |
| UCC Security Agreement | Entire Collateral clause | Covers all pledged assets |
Contract language
Common contract wording
| Contract wording | Plain-English meaning | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| "The Seller shall deliver the entire product package" | Must deliver every item listed | Verify list completeness |
| "Buyer shall pay the entire purchase price upon receipt" | Full payment required at once | Confirm timing and amount |
| "The obligations herein are entire and indivisible" | No partial performance allowed | Look for any exceptions |
Red flags
Red flags to watch for
Wording examples
Clearer wording examples
Vague wording
"Entire"
Clearer wording
"All of the items listed in Schedule A"
Vague wording
"Entire amount"
Clearer wording
"The total sum of $250,000 payable in one lump sum"
Note: “clearer” means easier to read — not legally reviewed or guaranteed safe.
Pre-signature checklist
What to check before signing
1
Confirm the list of items or services covered
2
Identify any carve‑outs or exceptions
3
Verify payment terms match the entire amount requirement
4
Ensure delivery deadlines align with the entire obligation
5
Check for conflict with partial performance provisions
6
Ask for a definition of "entire" if not explicit
7
Review related indemnity clauses for scope overlap
Party impact
How entire affects each party
| Party | What this party should check |
|---|---|
| Seller | Must ensure every component is ready for delivery |
| Buyer | Must be prepared to accept and pay for the full package |
| Lender | Can enforce full disbursement before releasing funds |
Comparison
entire vs similar terms
| Related term | Plain meaning | Main difference from entire |
|---|---|---|
| Partial performance | Allows some duties to be fulfilled | Entire demands all duties be completed |
| Divisible obligation | Duty can be split into parts | Entire is indivisible |
| Entire Agreement clause | States the contract is the whole deal | Entire focuses on performance scope |
Missing or vague
If entire is missing or vague
Without a clear definition, parties may argue over which items are covered. The seller might ship only a portion, claiming the rest is optional. The buyer could withhold payment, asserting the contract did not require the missing pieces. This ambiguity often leads to breach claims and costly litigation.
Document map
Document section map
| Contract section | What to inspect |
|---|---|
| Definitions | Look for a specific definition of "entire" |
| Scope of Work | Verify that all deliverables are listed |
| Payment | Ensure the clause aligns with total price obligations |
| Termination | Check if termination affects the entire obligation |
| Warranty | Confirm that warranties cover the whole product |
Visual model
Understand entire fast
An explainer image has not been generated for this term yet.
01
Landlord requires the tenant to return the entire security deposit after lease termination.
02
Borrower must deliver the entire loan proceeds to the lender on the closing date.
03
Franchisor obligates the franchisee to operate the whole suite of services outlined in the franchise manual.
Document context
How entire shows up in legal documents
Why does it matter?
If a party treats the duty as divisible, the contract may be deemed breached and the non‑breaching party can claim damages; the obligor bears the risk.
When does it matter?
When the contract states that a deliverable must be provided in its entirety, the obligation triggers upon the agreed delivery date.
Where is it usually seen?
Common in UCC § 2-207 integration clauses and commercial lease agreements under the “Entire Agreement” section.
Who is affected?
Seller gains assurance of full payment; Buyer risks having to accept the whole product bundle.
How does it work?
First, the contract spells out the duty as an entire obligation. Then, the obligor must complete every element before the deadline. Finally, the counter‑party may enforce performance or seek damages if any part is missing.
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Wikipedia
External reference for entire
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Where entire connects to real contract work
This layer links the term to nearby glossary entries, document use cases, and contract-risk guides so readers can move from definition to context without dead ends.
Glossary
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Contract Risks
Non refundable work completed risk
Plain-English risk guide for non refundable work completed risk.
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Plain-English risk guide for financial obligations clause risk.
Late payment penalties contract
Plain-English risk guide for late payment penalties contract.
Source & disclosure
This page is an AI-assisted plain-English explanation based on LexPredict Legal Dictionary context and contract-review patterns. It is not legal advice. Meaning may vary by jurisdiction, industry, and exact clause wording.
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