What is it?
Doctrine of complete performance; governs the extent of a party's duties under a contract.
full
Contract LawLegal glossary term
Quick answer
FULL usually means delivering the entire promised performance. In contracts, it matters because any shortfall triggers breach. Before signing, check that the scope and delivery dates are clearly defined.
Definitions
What is full?
Legal Definition
A contract that requires a party to deliver the entire promised performance, not a partial or incremental amount. This creates an obligation to satisfy every term exactly as written, and failure to do so constitutes a breach. The key qualifier is whether the contract specifies "full" as a condition precedent or as a measurement of quantity.
Plain-English Translation
Imagine a hall pass that lets you stay in class only until the bell rings; a "full" pass lets you stay the whole day, no shortcuts.
Contract relevance
Why full matters in contracts
Missing a "full" performance triggers a breach and damages; the obligor bears the risk.
Document context
Where full appears in documents
| Document type | Section | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Sales contract | Section 2 (Price and Delivery) | Ensures buyer receives complete goods |
| Construction agreement | Section 5 (Scope of Work) | Defines total project deliverables |
| Software license | Section 3 (Deliverables) | Requires full software package |
Contract language
Common contract wording
| Contract wording | Plain-English meaning | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| "Seller shall deliver the full goods" | Deliver all items listed | Verify quantity and description |
| "Borrower must make full payment" | Pay entire principal and interest | Confirm total amount and due date |
| "Franchisee shall receive full training" | Obtain all required modules | Check training schedule |
Red flags
Red flags to watch for
Wording examples
Clearer wording examples
Vague wording
"Full services"
Clearer wording
"All services listed in Exhibit A"
Vague wording
"Full payment"
Clearer wording
"Payment of $250,000 by June 30, 2026"
Note: “clearer” means easier to read — not legally reviewed or guaranteed safe.
Pre-signature checklist
What to check before signing
1
Identify every deliverable the contract calls "full"
2
Confirm quantities, specifications, and deadlines
3
Ensure payment terms match the full amount owed
4
Look for cure periods if full performance is not met
5
Verify that any referenced exhibits are attached
6
Check that penalties for incomplete performance are reasonable
7
Ask for a definition of "full" if absent
Party impact
How full affects each party
| Party | What this party should check |
|---|---|
| Seller | Must confirm ability to produce every item listed |
| Buyer | Should ensure receipt of all goods before releasing funds |
| Borrower | Needs cash flow to cover the entire repayment sum |
| Lender | Must monitor that full payment is made on schedule |
Comparison
full vs similar terms
| Related term | Plain meaning | Main difference from full |
|---|---|---|
| Partial performance | Delivering only some items | Full requires 100% completion |
| Condition precedent | Event that must occur first | Full is the outcome after conditions are met |
| Entire agreement | Whole contract content | Full focuses on the completeness of performance |
Missing or vague
If full is missing or vague
If "full" is left undefined, parties may argue over what constitutes complete performance. The obligor might deliver only a portion, claiming it satisfies the contract. The counter‑party could withhold payment, leading to breach litigation. Ambiguity also fuels disputes about timing and quality standards.
Document map
Document section map
| Contract section | What to inspect |
|---|---|
| Definitions | Look for a definition of "full" or related terms |
| Scope of Work | Verify that every task is enumerated |
| Payment | Confirm total amount and payment schedule |
| Delivery | Check deadlines for complete performance |
| Remedies | Review breach consequences for incomplete delivery |
Visual model
Understand full fast
An explainer image has not been generated for this term yet.
01
Landlord delivers a fully furnished apartment as promised, and the tenant accepts only when all furniture is present.
02
Borrower repays the entire principal plus accrued interest on the maturity date, satisfying the loan's full payment clause.
03
Franchisor provides the full set of operating manuals before the franchisee opens for business.
Document context
How full shows up in legal documents
Why does it matter?
Missing a "full" performance triggers a breach and damages; the obligor bears the risk.
When does it matter?
When the contract's delivery date arrives and the obligor has not satisfied every listed requirement, the "full" condition is tested.
Where is it usually seen?
Standard in UCC § 2-301 sales contracts, construction agreements, and software license agreements.
Who is affected?
Seller must provide the entire product; Buyer can enforce receipt of the whole thing. A subcontractor risks liability if it delivers only a portion.
How does it work?
First, the contract lists each deliverable as part of the "full" scope. Then the obligor must complete every item before the acceptance deadline. Finally, the counter‑party may issue a cure notice if any piece is missing.
Share
Send this term to someone else fast
Copy the link, open native sharing, or scan the QR code from another device.
Scan to open this glossary page on another device.
Wikipedia
Full
Full may refer to: People with the surname Full, including: Mr. Full (given name unknown), acting Governor of German Cameroon, 1913 to 1914 A property in the mathematical field of topology; see Full set A property of functors in the mathematical field of...
Open on Wikipedia →Knowledge graph
Where full 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
Purchase Order (PO)
Finance & Sales: A purchase order is a contract. Its terms govern your delivery, payment, and liability.
Eviction Notice
Real Estate Contracts: An invalid eviction notice is legally void — but only if you know how to challenge it.
Project Roadmap
Project Management: A roadmap without accountability is just a wish list.
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.
Move from term to document
See the real contract language around this term
A glossary definition helps, but actual risk usually lives in the surrounding clause. Upload the full document and BrieflyGo will map plain-English meaning, red flags, and next steps.