What is it?
Entry is a contractual clause that governs when a required performance must occur.
entry
Contract LawLegal glossary term
Quick answer
Entry usually means the moment a party must fulfill a contractual duty. In contracts, it matters because missing the entry can cause a breach. Before signing, check the exact dates and conditions tied to each entry.
Definitions
What is entry?
Legal Definition
An entry in a contract marks the point where a party must perform a required act, such as delivering goods or making a payment. It creates a legal obligation that, if unmet, can trigger breach remedies. The timing clause often determines whether the entry is deemed timely or late.
Plain-English Translation
Think of an entry like a hall pass: you must be in class at the exact time the bell rings, or you’re out of luck.
Contract relevance
Why entry matters in contracts
Missing the entry deadline can result in a breach claim, and the obligor bears the loss.
Document context
Where entry appears in documents
| Document type | Section | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Sales contract | Delivery clause | Determines when risk of loss passes |
| Lease agreement | Rent commencement | Triggers lease obligations |
| Construction contract | Milestone schedule | Links payment to completed work |
| Loan agreement | Draw request provision | Sets timing for fund disbursement |
Contract language
Common contract wording
| Contract wording | Plain-English meaning | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| "Delivery shall be made on or before July 1" | Must deliver by July 1 | Verify the date is realistic |
| "Borrower shall provide notice of draw within five business days" | Notice must be given quickly | Confirm notice period complies with lender policy |
| "Seller’s obligations are satisfied upon entry of goods" | Obligations end when goods arrive | Ensure receipt procedures are defined |
Red flags
Red flags to watch for
Wording examples
Clearer wording examples
Vague wording
"Delivery shall occur"
Clearer wording
"Delivery shall occur on June 30"
Vague wording
"Payment due upon entry"
Clearer wording
"Payment due within three days after delivery"
Note: “clearer” means easier to read — not legally reviewed or guaranteed safe.
Pre-signature checklist
What to check before signing
1
Identify every entry date or event in the contract
2
Confirm that dates are feasible for your operations
3
Check whether notice requirements accompany the entry
4
Determine who bears risk of loss after entry
5
Look for penalty language if entry is missed
6
Ensure any contingent conditions are clearly defined
7
Verify that the entry triggers any subsequent obligations
Party impact
How entry affects each party
| Party | What this party should check |
|---|---|
| Seller | Verify that delivery dates match production schedule |
| Buyer | Confirm acceptance procedures and inspection windows |
| Lender | Ensure draw notice periods align with cash‑flow needs |
| Tenant | Check that rent entry date matches lease start |
Comparison
entry vs similar terms
| Related term | Plain meaning | Main difference from entry |
|---|---|---|
| Performance deadline | Fixed date for completing a duty | Entry is the act itself; deadline is the time limit |
| Milestone payment | Payment tied to a specific achievement | Entry triggers performance, milestone triggers payment |
| Condition precedent | Event that must occur before a duty arises | Entry is the duty; condition precedent is the trigger |
Missing or vague
If entry is missing or vague
Without a clear entry provision, parties may argue over when performance was due, leading to costly disputes. The obligor might claim they acted on time, while the counter‑party insists the deadline was missed. Ambiguity can also affect when risk of loss shifts, causing insurance or liability confusion.
If the contract lacks any entry language, courts may deem the duty indefinite, potentially rendering the agreement unenforceable. This uncertainty often forces parties into litigation to interpret intent, consuming time and money.
Document map
Document section map
| Contract section | What to inspect |
|---|---|
| Definitions | Look for the definition of "Entry" or "Delivery" |
| Performance | Verify dates and conditions for each required act |
| Payment | Check how entry triggers invoicing or payment |
| Risk of Loss | Ensure entry aligns with transfer of title or liability |
| Default | See what remedies apply if entry is missed |
Visual model
Understand entry fast
An explainer image has not been generated for this term yet.
01
Landlord requires the tenant to deliver the first month's rent on June 1; rent is accepted and lease becomes effective.
02
Borrower must submit the loan draw request by March 15; lender funds the loan only after that entry is received.
Document context
How entry shows up in legal documents
Why does it matter?
Missing the entry deadline can result in a breach claim, and the obligor bears the loss.
When does it matter?
When the contract specifies a delivery date, the entry occurs on that date, and failure within that day triggers default.
Where is it usually seen?
Standard in UCC § 2-601 sales contracts and in construction agreements’ “Delivery” sections.
Who is affected?
Seller gains the right to enforce payment upon entry; Buyer risks losing the goods if entry is delayed.
How does it work?
First, the contract lists the exact date or event for performance. Then the obligated party must complete the act before or on that date. Within a reasonable period after entry, the counter‑party may inspect and accept the performance.
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Wikipedia
External reference for entry
Open Wikipedia for broader background on entry.
Open on Wikipedia →Knowledge graph
Where entry 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
Use Cases
Employment Contract
HR & Recruitment: Your employment contract is longer than your offer letter — and far more binding.
Performance Review
HR & Recruitment: Performance documents can be the paper trail used to justify termination.
Termination Notice
HR & Recruitment: When you receive a termination notice, every word matters — especially what isn’t in it.
Contract Risks
Late payment clause in freelance contracts
Plain-English risk guide for late payment clause in freelance contracts.
Milestone payment risk freelance contract
Plain-English risk guide for milestone payment risk freelance contract.
Non refundable work completed risk
Plain-English risk guide for non refundable work completed risk.
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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