What is it?
Immediately is a timing clause used in contracts and statutes to govern the speed of performance or compliance.
immediately
Contract LawLegal glossary term
Quick answer
Immediately usually means performance without delay. In contracts, it matters because a missed instant deadline can trigger breach and acceleration. Before signing, check whether the term is defined or tied to a specific calendar day.
Definitions
What is immediately?
Legal Definition
In legal writing, immediately signals that performance must occur without delay. It creates an obligation to act as soon as the triggering event happens, often interpreted as within a reasonable time but no later than the next business day. Courts look to context; statutes may define a specific number of days.
Plain-English Translation
If a teacher hands you a hall pass, you must go to the office right away, not wait until lunch.
Contract relevance
Why immediately matters in contracts
Missing the deadline can render a breach and expose the obligor to damages; the party required to act bears the risk.
Document context
Where immediately appears in documents
| Document type | Section | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Loan Agreement | Payment Clause | Ensures lender receives cure funds quickly |
| Construction Contract | Milestone Schedule | Triggers penalties if work not started immediately |
| ISDA Master Agreement | Event of Default | Allows swift termination |
| Federal Regulation 31 CFR § 1010.3 | Reporting Requirement | Demands immediate filing |
Contract language
Common contract wording
| Contract wording | Plain-English meaning | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| shall pay the amount immediately | payment due without delay | verify if “immediately” is defined |
| must cure the default immediately | obligation to remedy right away | confirm timeline (same day or next business day) |
| shall commence performance immediately upon receipt | start work without waiting | check for practical feasibility |
Red flags
Red flags to watch for
Wording examples
Clearer wording examples
Vague wording
immediately
Clearer wording
within one business day of receipt
Vague wording
immediately
Clearer wording
no later than 24 hours after the triggering event
Note: “clearer” means easier to read — not legally reviewed or guaranteed safe.
Pre-signature checklist
What to check before signing
1
Confirm whether “immediately” is defined elsewhere in the contract
2
Determine the exact calendar (business vs calendar days) that applies
3
Assess if the obligated party can realistically comply
4
Check for any carve‑outs or exceptions to the immediate duty
5
Identify penalties that kick in if performance is not immediate
6
Ask for a specific time frame (e.g., “within 24 hours”) to replace vague wording
7
Ensure the clause aligns with any statutory timing requirements
Party impact
How immediately affects each party
| Party | What this party should check |
|---|---|
| Borrower | Must have cash on hand to cure defaults instantly |
| Lender | Gains right to accelerate loan upon any delay |
| Contractor | Needs to mobilize crew without waiting for additional approvals |
| Client | Can enforce penalties if contractor fails to start work immediately |
Comparison
immediately vs similar terms
| Related term | Plain meaning | Main difference from immediately |
|---|---|---|
| Promptly | Means soon, but allows a short reasonable period | Immediate imposes no grace period |
| Within a reasonable time | Allows flexibility based on circumstances | Immediate eliminates flexibility |
| Force majeure | Excuses performance due to unforeseeable events | Immediate duty may be excused if force majeure applies |
Missing or vague
If immediately is missing or vague
Without a clear definition, parties dispute whether “immediately” means the same day or the next business day.
The creditor may claim breach while the debtor argues a reasonable period sufficed.
Such ambiguity often leads to litigation over accrued interest or acceleration.
Courts will look to industry practice, which may not match either party’s expectation.
The result can be costly damages or forced renegotiation.
Document map
Document section map
| Contract section | What to inspect |
|---|---|
| Definitions | Look for any definition of “immediately” |
| Payment | Review cure periods and payment triggers |
| Default | Examine notice and cure provisions |
| Termination | Check if termination can occur on immediate breach |
| Force Majeure | Verify whether events excuse immediate performance |
Visual model
Understand immediately fast
An explainer image has not been generated for this term yet.
01
Landlord sends a notice of rent arrears; tenant must pay the overdue amount the same day or face eviction.
02
Borrower receives a default notice; borrower must cure the default immediately, typically by paying the missed installment that day.
03
Franchisor demands a trademark violation stop; franchisee must cease the infringing use immediately, often within hours.
Document context
How immediately shows up in legal documents
Why does it matter?
Missing the deadline can render a breach and expose the obligor to damages; the party required to act bears the risk.
When does it matter?
When a notice of default is delivered, the debtor must cure the default immediately.
Where is it usually seen?
Appears in loan agreements, construction contracts, and federal regulations such as 31 CFR § 1010.3.
Who is affected?
Lender gains prompt repayment; borrower risks acceleration if they fail to act immediately.
How does it work?
First, the triggering event—such as a breach notice—occurs. Then the obligated party must perform the required act within the same day or the next business day. If performance does not occur, the counterparty may enforce remedies under the contract.
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Wikipedia
External reference for immediately
Open Wikipedia for broader background on immediately.
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Where immediately 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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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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