substantial performance

noun | per·for·mance

1. : work done in employment unsatisfactory performance

   b : the fulfillment of a contract, promise, or obligation

   — part performance
   : partial performance of a contract, promise, or obligation : a doctrine which provides an exception to the Statute of Frauds requirement that a contract be in writing by treating partial performance and the acceptance of it by the other party as evidence of an enforceable contract — compare partial breach at breach

   — specific performance
   : the complete or exact fulfillment of the terms of a contract, promise, or obligation : an equitable remedy that requires a party to fulfill the exact terms of a contract, promise, obligation, or decree mandating a remedy and that is used when legal remedies (as damages) are inadequate the common law prohibition against specific performance as a remedy for alleged breach of employment contract —Chady v. Solomon Schechter Day Schs., 645 N.E.2d 983 (1995) — compare injunction

   — substantial performance
   : performance of the essential terms of a contract, promise, or obligation a contractor is not entitled to a lien in the absence of substantial performance —Casa Linda Tile & Marble Installers, Inc. v. Highlands Place 1981 Ltd., 642 So. 2d 766 (1994) : a doctrine which permits a party (as a builder) that acted in good faith to recover from the other party to a contract for a performance that departs in minor respects from what was promised — compare material breach at breach

2. a : what is required to be performed in fulfillment of a contract, promise, or obligation substituted a new performance in novation of the contract

3. : a public rendition or presentation of an artistic work