incumple

Incumple is the third-person singular present indicative form of the Spanish verb incumplir, meaning to fail to fulfill or to breach an obligation, promise, or standard. It is used to indicate that an obligation remains unmet or that someone does not comply with a rule, contract, or expected conduct. Common contexts include contractual agreements, regulatory compliance, or performance obligations. The noun form associated with the concept is incumplimiento (breach), and the related adjective is incumplido (breached or failed).

Etymology and form: incumplir derives from in- (a negation) plus cumplir (to fulfill), with cumplir itself rooted in Latin complere meaning to complete. The prefix in- signals failure or non-fulfillment, giving rise to the idea of falling short of an obligation.

Usage and implications: In everyday language, incumplir conveys that a duty or promise has not been carried out. In legal or business contexts, the term often appears in discussions of breaches of contract, noncompliance, or failure to meet terms. For example, a supplier that misses delivery times may be described as incumpliendo their obligations; conversely, adherence to terms is described as cumplimiento.

Related terms: cumplimiento (compliance or fulfillment), incumplimiento (breach), contrato (contract), obligación (obligation), regla (rule), sanción (penalty). Antonyms include cumplir (to fulfill) and acatar (to comply).

See also: breach of contract; contract law; obligations and compliance.