entry

UCC / CommercialLegal 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 dictates a specific term, condition, or action within a legal document or proceeding. This concept establishes a defined right, obligation, or event that must be met for compliance or enforcement to occur. The critical distinction often lies in whether the entry is permissive (allowing) or mandatory (requiring).

Plain-English Translation

An entry acts like a permission slip; it says you *can* do something, or it's like a rule on homework that says you *must* turn it in by Friday.

Contract relevance

Why entry matters in contracts

Ignoring an entry can void an entire contract, allowing the other party to claim breach damages. The breaching party bears this risk.

Document context

Where entry appears in documents

Document typeSectionWhy it matters
Sales contractDelivery clauseDetermines when risk of loss passes
Lease agreementRent commencementTriggers lease obligations
Construction contractMilestone scheduleLinks payment to completed work
Loan agreementDraw request provisionSets timing for fund disbursement

Contract language

Common contract wording

Contract wordingPlain-English meaningWhat to check
"Delivery shall be made on or before July 1"Must deliver by July 1Verify the date is realistic
"Borrower shall provide notice of draw within five business days"Notice must be given quicklyConfirm notice period complies with lender policy
"Seller’s obligations are satisfied upon entry of goods"Obligations end when goods arriveEnsure receipt procedures are defined

Red flags

Red flags to watch for

Risky wording patternWhy it may matterWhat to check
"On or about" without a precise dateAmbiguity can cause disputesRequest a fixed date
"As soon as practicable"Open‑ended timingInsist on a specific deadline
"Within a reasonable time"Subjective standardDefine what constitutes reasonable
"No later than" but no date listedMissing key termInsert exact date

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

PartyWhat this party should check
SellerVerify that delivery dates match production schedule
BuyerConfirm acceptance procedures and inspection windows
LenderEnsure draw notice periods align with cash‑flow needs
TenantCheck that rent entry date matches lease start

Comparison

entry vs similar terms

Related termPlain meaningMain difference from entry
Performance deadlineFixed date for completing a dutyEntry is the act itself; deadline is the time limit
Milestone paymentPayment tied to a specific achievementEntry triggers performance, milestone triggers payment
Condition precedentEvent that must occur before a duty arisesEntry 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 sectionWhat to inspect
DefinitionsLook for the definition of "Entry" or "Delivery"
PerformanceVerify dates and conditions for each required act
PaymentCheck how entry triggers invoicing or payment
Risk of LossEnsure entry aligns with transfer of title or liability
DefaultSee 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 signs an entry requiring monthly rent payment on the 1st, resulting in a late fee obligation.

02

Borrower executes a security agreement entry granting the bank collateral access, leading to secured status.

03

Franchisor adds a marketing compliance entry, meaning franchisee must use approved logos or face termination.

Document context

How entry shows up in legal documents

What is it?

This term functions as a specific clause type within contracts and a procedural rule governing litigation filings. It dictates the scope of rights or duties owed between parties.

Why does it matter?

Ignoring an entry can void an entire contract, allowing the other party to claim breach damages. The breaching party bears this risk.

When does it matter?

An entry triggers when a specific date arrives, such as the expiration date listed in the agreement. It also activates upon the completion of a defined action, like delivery of goods.

Where is it usually seen?

You find entries everywhere: within standard clauses of UCC § 2-207 sales agreements and detailed sections of mortgage deeds.

Who is affected?

The creditor gains rights when payment entry is made; the tenant risks eviction if the lease entry requires prompt repairs. The indemnitor assumes liability based on their specific contractual entry.

How does it work?

First, a party must satisfy the terms specified in the entry. Then, they execute the required action, like signing or delivering property. Within thirty days of that execution, the other party can invoke the rights attached to that entry.

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Wikipedia

Entry

Entry may refer to: Entry, West Virginia, an unincorporated community in the United States Entry (cards), a term used in trick-taking card-games Entry (economics), a term in connection with markets Entry (film), a 2013 Indian Malayalam film Entry, occurrence...

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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.

9nodes

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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