At the A1 level, 'incumplimiento' is a very advanced word. You usually don't need it yet. Instead, you learn the verb 'cumplir' (to fulfill/do). For example, 'Yo cumplo con mi tarea' (I do my homework). 'Incumplimiento' is the noun for when someone does *not* do what they said. Imagine you have a rule: 'No eating in class'. If you eat in class, that is an 'incumplimiento' of the rule. It is a big word for a simple idea: not following the rules or not doing a job. You might see it on signs that say 'El incumplimiento de las normas...' which means 'Not following the rules...'. It is important to recognize the 'in-' at the start, which often means 'not' in Spanish, just like in English (complete vs. incomplete). For now, just remember it means 'not doing what you should do'.
As an A2 learner, you are starting to see more formal Spanish in public places. 'Incumplimiento' is a word you will see on posters, in news snippets, or in basic office emails. It comes from 'in-' (not) and 'cumplimiento' (fulfillment). If you have a contract for an apartment, and you don't pay the rent, the landlord will talk about 'incumplimiento de pago'. It is a formal way to say 'not paying'. You should try to notice how it is used with the word 'de'. For example, 'incumplimiento de contrato' (breach of contract) or 'incumplimiento de promesas' (broken promises). It sounds much more serious than saying 'no hizo la tarea'. Use it when you want to sound more official about a rule being broken. It is a masculine noun: 'el incumplimiento'.
At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'incumplimiento' in your own writing and speaking, especially in professional or academic contexts. This word is essential for discussing responsibilities and consequences. It refers to the failure to meet an obligation, whether it is legal, moral, or professional. You will often use it with verbs like 'evitar' (to avoid) or 'denunciar' (to report). For example, 'Para evitar el incumplimiento de los plazos, debemos trabajar más rápido' (To avoid missing the deadlines, we must work faster). Notice that 'incumplimiento' is often used to describe a situation objectively. Instead of saying 'He is lazy', you might say 'There is an incumplimiento of his duties'. This makes your Spanish sound more balanced and professional. It is also common in news about politics and law.
At the B2 level, you should understand the legal and technical nuances of 'incumplimiento'. It is not just 'not doing something'; it is specifically the failure to satisfy a 'prestación' (a service or payment) that was agreed upon. You will encounter terms like 'incumplimiento contractual' (contractual breach) or 'incumplimiento de los deberes de funcionario público' (failure of public official duties). You should be able to distinguish it from 'infracción' (a violation of a general law) and 'negligencia' (the carelessness that leads to a failure). In your writing, use it to build complex arguments about accountability. For instance, you could discuss how the 'incumplimiento de las normativas ambientales' (failure to follow environmental regulations) affects a company's reputation. It is a key term for any business-related Spanish certification.
For C1 learners, 'incumplimiento' is a versatile tool for precise communication. You should be familiar with its various classifications: 'incumplimiento total' (total failure), 'incumplimiento parcial' (partial failure), and 'incumplimiento tardío' (late fulfillment/mora). You will use it in sophisticated structures like 'ante el flagrante incumplimiento de...' (in the face of the blatant failure of...). It is a fundamental term in 'Derecho de Obligaciones' (Law of Obligations). You should be able to discuss the 'nexo causal' (causal link) between an 'incumplimiento' and the resulting 'daños y perjuicios' (damages). At this level, you should also recognize its use in literature and high-level journalism to describe the erosion of social contracts or moral failures in society. Your use of the word should reflect an understanding of the gravity and the formal implications it carries.
At the C2 level, 'incumplimiento' is integrated into a deep understanding of Spanish legal and philosophical thought. You can discuss the 'teoría del incumplimiento' and its evolution in Spanish jurisprudence. You understand how an 'incumplimiento' can be 'imputable' (attributable) to a party due to 'dolo' (intent) or 'culpa' (fault). You are comfortable using the word in highly formal debates, such as analyzing the 'incumplimiento de tratados internacionales' and the subsequent diplomatic repercussions. You might also use it metaphorically in literary analysis to describe a character's 'incumplimiento del destino' (failure to meet their destiny). Your mastery includes knowing all related terms like 'resolución por incumplimiento' (termination due to breach) and being able to navigate the complex administrative prose where this word frequently appears without losing the thread of the argument.

incumplimiento 30초 만에

  • Incumplimiento is the formal Spanish noun for failing to fulfill an obligation, promise, or rule, commonly used in legal and professional settings.
  • It originates from 'in-' (not) and 'cumplimiento' (fulfillment), making it the direct opposite of compliance or following through on a duty.
  • Commonly paired with 'de', as in 'incumplimiento de contrato' (breach of contract) or 'incumplimiento de pago' (failure to pay/default).
  • It carries a serious tone, often implying that there will be consequences like fines, legal action, or a significant loss of personal trust.

The Spanish word incumplimiento is a powerful noun that describes the state of not doing what one was supposed to do. Derived from the verb incumplir, it combines the negative prefix in- with the noun cumplimiento (fulfillment or compliance). In everyday Spanish, it represents a bridge between simple forgetfulness and serious legal negligence. When you hear this word, the speaker is usually pointing out a gap between a promise made and an action taken. It is not just a mistake; it is a failure to meet a standard, a rule, or a contractual obligation.

Formal Context
In legal and business environments, incumplimiento refers to a breach of contract. It is the technical term used when a company fails to deliver goods or when a person fails to pay their mortgage on time.

El incumplimiento del contrato resultó en una multa muy costosa para la constructora.

Translation: The breach of contract resulted in a very expensive fine for the construction company.

Beyond the courtroom, the word carries significant weight in interpersonal relationships. If a friend promises to help you move and then disappears, you might describe their action as an incumplimiento de su palabra (failure to keep their word). It implies a loss of trust. The nuances of the word suggest that there was a pre-existing expectation or a formal agreement that has been ignored or neglected. It is often paired with prepositions like de to specify what exactly was not fulfilled.

Social Context
It is used to criticize public figures or institutions. For example, the incumplimiento de promesas electorales is a common theme in political debates across Spanish-speaking countries.

Las autoridades advirtieron sobre el incumplimiento de las normas de seguridad sanitaria.

Understanding incumplimiento requires recognizing its gravity. While a child might 'fail to do' homework, we rarely use incumplimiento for such trivial matters unless we want to sound overly dramatic or clinical. It is a word that demands a reaction—usually a penalty, a complaint, or a legal filing. It is deeply rooted in the concept of duty. When duty is ignored, incumplimiento is the result.

No podemos tolerar el incumplimiento constante de tus tareas asignadas.

Administrative Context
In government paperwork, you might see aviso de incumplimiento, which is a formal notice that you have missed a deadline or failed to provide required documentation.

El incumplimiento de los plazos de entrega afectará nuestra reputación comercial.

La demanda se basa en un incumplimiento de los términos de confidencialidad.

Using incumplimiento correctly involves understanding its role as a noun that usually triggers a prepositional phrase. Because it represents an action that *didn't* happen, you almost always need to specify *what* was not fulfilled. The most common structure is incumplimiento de [noun]. This noun can be anything from a 'contract' to a 'promise' or a 'law'.

Common Verbs Used With It
Verbs like denunciar (to report/denounce), evitar (to avoid), sancionar (to penalize), and detectar (to detect) are frequently paired with this word.

El abogado decidió denunciar el incumplimiento de la pensión alimenticia ante el juez.

Translation: The lawyer decided to report the non-payment (failure to fulfill) of child support before the judge.

Another important grammatical aspect is how incumplimiento functions as the subject or object of a sentence. As a subject, it often leads to a consequence. As an object, it is often something that is being investigated or corrected. It is a masculine noun, so it always takes masculine articles: el incumplimiento or un incumplimiento.

Sentence Structure: Cause and Effect
[Incumplimiento] + [de algo] + [verbo de consecuencia]. Example: El incumplimiento de las reglas conlleva una expulsión inmediata.

Para evitar el incumplimiento de pago, el banco ofrece recordatorios automáticos.

In technical writing, you might encounter the phrase en caso de incumplimiento (in case of non-fulfillment). This is a standard clause in Spanish legal documents. It sets the stage for what happens if the agreement is broken. It is a conditional phrase that every business professional should know.

En caso de incumplimiento, la parte afectada tiene derecho a una indemnización.

Adjective Pairings
Common adjectives include grave (serious), reiterado (repeated), parcial (partial), and total (total). These modify the severity of the failure.

Un incumplimiento grave de las normas laborales puede cerrar la fábrica.

Estamos analizando si el incumplimiento fue intencionado o accidental.

Finally, notice the rhythm of the word. It is a long, formal word (five syllables: in-cum-pli-mien-to). Using it correctly adds a layer of sophistication to your Spanish, especially when discussing responsibilities. It moves the conversation from 'you didn't do it' to 'there is a failure of compliance,' which is often more effective in professional settings.

You will encounter incumplimiento in specific environments where accountability is paramount. It is a staple of the Spanish news cycle, corporate boardrooms, and administrative offices. If you live in a Spanish-speaking country, you might see it on a utility bill or a legal notice before you ever hear it in a casual conversation at a café.

The News and Media
Journalists use this word to describe political scandals. 'El incumplimiento de los acuerdos de paz' (The failure to fulfill peace agreements) or 'el incumplimiento de las metas de inflación' (the failure to meet inflation targets) are common headlines.

El noticiero informó sobre el incumplimiento de las promesas de campaña del alcalde.

In the workplace, human resources and management use incumplimiento to discuss employee performance or company policy. If an employee repeatedly arrives late, it might be documented as an incumplimiento del horario laboral. This formalizes the grievance, making it part of an official record rather than just a verbal reprimand.

The Workplace
Discussions about 'incumplimiento de objetivos' (failure to meet objectives) are common during quarterly reviews. It sounds more objective and less personal than saying 'you failed'.

La empresa fue multada por el incumplimiento de las leyes de protección de datos.

You will also hear it in the context of banking and finance. If someone stops paying their credit card, the bank will send a letter regarding the incumplimiento de las obligaciones de pago. This is a critical term for anyone navigating financial systems in Spanish. It is the precursor to legal action or a credit score penalty.

Hubo un incumplimiento masivo en el pago de los impuestos este año.

Educational Settings
Universities use it when students do not follow the 'código de ética'. An incumplimiento del reglamento académico can lead to suspension.

El incumplimiento de los requisitos de la beca resultó en su cancelación.

Los vecinos se quejaron por el incumplimiento de las horas de silencio nocturno.

One of the most frequent errors for English speakers learning Spanish is confusing incumplimiento with simpler words like error or falta. While they are related, incumplimiento is specifically about a duty or obligation. An 'error' is a mistake; an 'incumplimiento' is a failure to act as agreed. Using 'error' when you mean 'breach' can make you sound less professional.

Mistake: Confusing with 'Falta'
A falta is a general lack or a minor fault (like a foul in soccer). Incumplimiento is the formal failure to execute a specific task or contract. Don't say 'la falta del contrato' when you mean 'el incumplimiento del contrato'.

Incorrecto: Hubo un error de contrato. Correcto: Hubo un incumplimiento de contrato.

Another common mistake is the preposition. In English, we 'breach a contract' (no preposition) or have a 'failure in fulfilling'. In Spanish, you almost always need the preposition de. Forgetting the de is a classic learner mistake. You don't 'incumplimiento el contrato'; you discuss the 'incumplimiento de contrato'.

Mistake: Misusing the Verb vs. Noun
Learners often try to use the noun where a verb is needed. If you want to say 'He failed to pay', use the verb: 'Él incumplió el pago'. If you want to say 'The failure to pay is serious', use the noun: 'El incumplimiento de pago es grave'.

Cuidado: No digas 'Él es incumplimiento'. Di 'Él cometió un incumplimiento'.

Finally, be careful with the spelling. It is a long word with several 'm' and 'n' sounds. A common spelling error is forgetting the 'm' before 'p' (cumplimiento). In Spanish, 'm' always precedes 'p' and 'b'. Writing 'incunplimiento' with an 'n' is a mistake that native speakers also occasionally make, but it is easily avoided if you remember the 'm-p' rule.

El incumplimiento (con M) es la forma correcta de escribirlo.

Register Confusion
Using incumplimiento in a very casual setting (like when a friend forgets to bring a soda to a party) can sound sarcastic or overly stiff. Use olvido or fallo for minor social gaffes.

Es mejor decir 'olvidaste la soda' que 'cometiste un incumplimiento de tu promesa de traer soda'.

No confundas incumplimiento con 'desobediencia'. El primero es no hacer lo pactado; el segundo es ignorar una orden directa.

To truly master incumplimiento, you should know the words that surround it in the semantic field of failure and omission. Depending on the context, you might want a word that is more specific or slightly less formal.

Infracción vs. Incumplimiento
An infracción is a violation of a law or regulation (like a traffic ticket). Incumplimiento is broader and applies to contracts and personal promises as well.

La infracción de tráfico fue clara, pero el incumplimiento del contrato es más difícil de probar.

Another alternative is quebrantamiento. This word sounds even more serious, almost violent. It is often used for 'breaking' a legal stay or a judicial order. If incumplimiento is a failure to act, quebrantamiento is often a direct act of breaking a rule.

Falta vs. Omisión
Omisión is specifically when you *forget* or *neglect* to do something. It is a subset of incumplimiento. If you didn't include a document, it's an 'omisión'. If you didn't do the whole job, it's an 'incumplimiento'.

El incumplimiento de los deberes de cuidado es una forma de negligencia.

In business, you might hear desviación (deviation) when talking about budgets or project plans. While incumplimiento suggests a total failure, desviación suggests you are simply off-track. Choosing between these words depends on how much blame you want to assign.

Negligencia
This focuses on the *reason* for the failure (carelessness). Incumplimiento focuses on the *fact* of the failure itself.

Hubo un incumplimiento por negligencia del personal de seguridad.

El incumplimiento de contrato puede llevar a la rescisión del mismo.

Finally, for a very common and slightly less heavy word, use fallo. A 'fallo' is a failure or a fault. It's used for technical glitches or human errors. 'Un fallo en el sistema' is more common than 'un incumplimiento del sistema', because systems don't have 'obligations' in the moral sense—they just work or they don't.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The word 'cumplimiento' and 'compliment' in English share the same Latin root. A 'compliment' was originally something that 'filled up' or completed social etiquette.

발음 가이드

UK /in.kum.pliˈmjen.to/
US /in.kum.pliˈmjen.to/
The word is 'paroxítona' (grave), meaning the stress falls on the penultimate syllable 'mien'.
라임이 맞는 단어
sentimiento pensamiento movimiento conocimiento sufrimiento crecimiento establecimiento nacimiento
자주 하는 실수
  • Pronouncing the 'u' like the English 'u' in 'cup' (should be 'oo').
  • Missing the 'm' before 'p'.
  • Stressing the wrong syllable, like 'in-CUM-pli-miento'.
  • Pronouncing 'ie' as two separate vowels instead of a diphthong.
  • Softening the 't' at the end (should be dental and sharp).

난이도

독해 3/5

Easy to recognize if you know 'cumplir' and 'in-'.

쓰기 4/5

Requires correct spelling (m before p) and preposition use.

말하기 4/5

Long word, requires practice for fluid pronunciation.

듣기 3/5

Distinctive sound, usually clear in formal speech.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

cumplir promesa regla hacer contrato

다음에 배울 것

sanción indemnización cláusula vigente rescindir

고급

jurisprudencia fiduciario aleatorio morosidad dolo

알아야 할 문법

The preposition 'de' after nouns of action

Incumplimiento DE contrato.

Prefix 'in-' for negation

Cumplimiento -> Incumplimiento.

M before P and B

iM-cum-pli-miento.

Noun-Adjective agreement

Incumplimiento GRAVE (masculine singular).

Nominalization of verbs

Incumplir (verb) -> Incumplimiento (noun).

수준별 예문

1

El incumplimiento de las reglas es malo.

The failure to follow rules is bad.

Simple subject-verb-adjective structure.

2

No me gusta el incumplimiento de promesas.

I don't like the breaking of promises.

Using 'gustar' with a noun phrase.

3

Hay un incumplimiento en la oficina.

There is a failure to comply in the office.

Using 'Hay' to indicate existence.

4

El incumplimiento de la tarea tiene consecuencias.

Not doing homework has consequences.

Noun + prepositional phrase.

5

Evita el incumplimiento de las normas.

Avoid not following the norms.

Imperative verb 'Evita'.

6

El incumplimiento es un problema grande.

The failure to comply is a big problem.

Basic noun-is-adjective.

7

Vemos un incumplimiento del horario.

We see a failure to follow the schedule.

Verb 'Ver' + noun.

8

Por el incumplimiento, no hay premio.

Because of the failure, there is no prize.

Using 'Por' to show cause.

1

El incumplimiento de pago genera multas.

Failure to pay generates fines.

Present tense with a causative verb.

2

El jefe habló sobre el incumplimiento del contrato.

The boss spoke about the breach of contract.

Preposition 'sobre' (about).

3

Hubo un incumplimiento de las leyes de tráfico.

There was a failure to follow traffic laws.

Past tense 'Hubo' (there was).

4

El incumplimiento de sus deberes es triste.

The failure of his duties is sad.

Possessive 'sus'.

5

No queremos más incumplimiento en este grupo.

We don't want any more non-compliance in this group.

Negation 'No' + verb.

6

El incumplimiento de la cita fue un error.

Missing the appointment was a mistake.

Past tense 'fue'.

7

Leí sobre el incumplimiento de la empresa en el periódico.

I read about the company's breach in the newspaper.

Prepositional phrase 'en el periódico'.

8

El incumplimiento de las órdenes es grave.

Failure to follow orders is serious.

Adjective 'grave' modifying the noun.

1

El incumplimiento de las normas de seguridad causó el accidente.

The failure to follow safety rules caused the accident.

Causal relationship in the past.

2

Debemos evitar el incumplimiento de los plazos de entrega.

We must avoid missing the delivery deadlines.

Modal verb 'Debemos' + infinitive.

3

El incumplimiento de la palabra dada afecta la confianza.

Failure to keep one's word affects trust.

Abstract noun phrase.

4

La empresa recibió una sanción por incumplimiento de contrato.

The company received a penalty for breach of contract.

Noun 'sanción' related to 'incumplimiento'.

5

El incumplimiento reiterado de las reglas llevará al despido.

Repeated failure to follow the rules will lead to dismissal.

Future tense 'llevará'.

6

Analizamos las razones del incumplimiento de los objetivos.

We are analyzing the reasons for the failure to meet objectives.

Genitive 'del' (of the).

7

El incumplimiento de la ley no tiene excusa.

Failure to follow the law has no excuse.

Negation with 'tener'.

8

Hubo un incumplimiento total de los términos acordados.

There was a total failure to meet the agreed terms.

Adjective 'total' for emphasis.

1

El incumplimiento de las obligaciones fiscales conlleva intereses de demora.

Failure to meet tax obligations entails late payment interest.

Formal verb 'conlleva'.

2

Se ha detectado un incumplimiento en los protocolos de higiene.

A breach in hygiene protocols has been detected.

Passive 'Se ha detectado'.

3

El incumplimiento contractual permite la resolución del vínculo.

Contractual breach allows for the termination of the bond.

Adjective 'contractual'.

4

La demanda alega un incumplimiento de la confidencialidad.

The lawsuit alleges a breach of confidentiality.

Verb 'alega' (alleges).

5

El incumplimiento de las metas climáticas es preocupante.

The failure to meet climate goals is worrying.

Present tense with 'es'.

6

Estamos ante un claro incumplimiento de los derechos humanos.

We are facing a clear violation of human rights.

Phrase 'estamos ante' (we are facing).

7

El incumplimiento de las condiciones de la beca supone su pérdida.

Failure to meet the scholarship conditions means its loss.

Verb 'supone' (means/implies).

8

El informe detalla el incumplimiento de las normativas vigentes.

The report details the failure to follow current regulations.

Verb 'detalla'.

1

La jurisprudencia matiza las consecuencias del incumplimiento involuntario.

Jurisprudence nuances the consequences of involuntary breach.

Advanced vocabulary 'jurisprudencia' and 'matiza'.

2

El incumplimiento de los tratados internacionales socava la paz global.

The failure to fulfill international treaties undermines global peace.

Verb 'socava' (undermines).

3

Se produjo un incumplimiento flagrante de la ética profesional.

A blatant breach of professional ethics occurred.

Adjective 'flagrante'.

4

El incumplimiento de la función social de la propiedad es debatido.

The failure to fulfill the social function of property is debated.

Complex legal concept.

5

La resolución por incumplimiento es una facultad del acreedor.

Termination due to breach is a power of the creditor.

Technical legal terms 'resolución' and 'acreedor'.

6

El incumplimiento de las expectativas generó un descontento social.

The failure to meet expectations generated social discontent.

Psychological/Social context.

7

No se puede invocar la fuerza mayor para justificar este incumplimiento.

Force majeure cannot be invoked to justify this failure.

Legal defense 'fuerza mayor'.

8

El incumplimiento de los deberes fiduciarios derivó en acciones legales.

The breach of fiduciary duties led to legal actions.

Adjective 'fiduciarios'.

1

El incumplimiento defectuoso de la prestación habilita la excepción de contrato.

Defective performance of the obligation enables the 'exceptio non adimpleti contractus'.

Highly technical legal terminology.

2

La mora es una modalidad específica de incumplimiento obligacional.

Delay is a specific modality of obligation failure.

Categorization of legal concepts.

3

El incumplimiento de la legalidad vigente pone en jaque al sistema.

The failure to comply with current legality puts the system in check.

Idiomatic expression 'poner en jaque'.

4

Se analiza el incumplimiento de las promesas como un fenómeno sociológico.

The failure of promises is analyzed as a sociological phenomenon.

Academic passive voice.

5

El incumplimiento de la ratio legis desvirtúa el propósito de la norma.

The failure to follow the 'ratio legis' distorts the purpose of the rule.

Latin legal phrase 'ratio legis'.

6

Existe una correlación entre el incumplimiento institucional y la corrupción.

There is a correlation between institutional failure and corruption.

Formal academic 'Existe'.

7

El incumplimiento de los requisitos de forma acarrea la nulidad del acto.

Failure to meet formal requirements entails the nullity of the act.

Verb 'acarrea' (entails/carries).

8

La doctrina discute la naturaleza del incumplimiento en contratos aleatorios.

The legal doctrine discusses the nature of breach in aleatory contracts.

Technical term 'contratos aleatorios'.

자주 쓰는 조합

Incumplimiento de contrato
Incumplimiento de pago
Incumplimiento de deberes
Incumplimiento de promesas
Incumplimiento de normas
Incumplimiento grave
Incumplimiento parcial
Incumplimiento de plazos
Incumplimiento de la ley
Aviso de incumplimiento

자주 쓰는 구문

En caso de incumplimiento

— A conditional phrase used to outline consequences if an agreement is broken.

En caso de incumplimiento, se pagará una multa.

Por incumplimiento de

— Explains the reason for a specific penalty or action.

Fue despedido por incumplimiento de sus tareas.

Debido al incumplimiento

— Formal way to state a cause-effect relationship involving failure.

Debido al incumplimiento, el proyecto se canceló.

Denunciar el incumplimiento

— To formally report that a rule or contract was not followed.

Decidieron denunciar el incumplimiento ante las autoridades.

Detectar un incumplimiento

— To find or notice that someone is not following the rules.

El auditor logró detectar un incumplimiento fiscal.

Sancionar el incumplimiento

— To apply a penalty for not following an agreement.

La ley debe sancionar el incumplimiento de los derechos.

Evitar el incumplimiento

— Taking steps to ensure all obligations are met.

Hacemos todo para evitar el incumplimiento de plazos.

Incumplimiento de la palabra

— Failing to do what one personally promised.

Su incumplimiento de la palabra me dolió mucho.

Incumplimiento de expectativas

— When something does not meet what was hoped for.

La película fue un incumplimiento de expectativas.

Causa de incumplimiento

— The reason why an obligation was not met.

La huelga fue la causa de incumplimiento del servicio.

자주 혼동되는 단어

incumplimiento vs Incumplido

This is the adjective or the past participle. 'El contrato está incumplido' (The contract is unfulfilled).

incumplimiento vs Infracción

Usually refers to breaking a law (like speeding), whereas incumplimiento is broader.

incumplimiento vs Falta

A general word for a mistake or absence, whereas incumplimiento is specifically about a duty.

관용어 및 표현

"Pasarse por el forro"

— A vulgar/informal way to express total 'incumplimiento' or disregard for rules.

Se pasó las normas por el forro.

Slang
"Hacer oídos sordos"

— To ignore a request or duty, leading to 'incumplimiento'.

Hizo oídos sordos a sus obligaciones.

Neutral
"Dejar plantado"

— A social 'incumplimiento' of a date or meeting.

Me dejó plantado en el restaurante.

Informal
"Faltar a la verdad"

— An 'incumplimiento' of the duty to be honest; lying.

Usted está faltando a la verdad.

Formal
"Brillar por su ausencia"

— When someone's presence (a duty) is missing.

Su compromiso brilla por su ausencia.

Neutral
"Caer en saco roto"

— When a promise or rule results in 'incumplimiento' or is ignored.

Mis advertencias cayeron en saco roto.

Neutral
"Lavarse las manos"

— To evade responsibility, often causing 'incumplimiento'.

Ante el problema, él se lavó las manos.

Neutral
"Dar gato por liebre"

— An 'incumplimiento' of quality in a sale; a scam.

Me dieron gato por liebre con este coche.

Informal
"Quedar en agua de borrajas"

— When a plan or promise results in nothing (incumplimiento).

La reforma quedó en agua de borrajas.

Informal
"Hacer la vista gorda"

— To ignore an 'incumplimiento' of the rules by someone else.

El guardia hizo la vista gorda.

Informal

혼동하기 쉬운

incumplimiento vs Desobediencia

Both involve not following something.

Desobediencia is ignoring an order from a person; incumplimiento is failing to do a task or contract.

La desobediencia al general vs el incumplimiento del contrato.

incumplimiento vs Error

Both are negative outcomes.

An error is a mistake in doing something; incumplimiento is not doing it at all or doing it against the agreement.

Un error de cálculo vs un incumplimiento de entrega.

incumplimiento vs Omisión

Both involve not doing something.

Omisión is specifically leaving something out; incumplimiento is the failure to fulfill the whole obligation.

Omisión de socorro vs incumplimiento de contrato.

incumplimiento vs Negligencia

Often occur together.

Negligencia is the 'how' (carelessness); incumplimiento is the 'what' (the failure itself).

Su negligencia causó el incumplimiento.

incumplimiento vs Mora

Both are legal failures.

Mora is specifically a *delay* in fulfillment; incumplimiento can be total or partial.

Estar en mora de pago.

문장 패턴

A2

El incumplimiento de [noun] es [adjective].

El incumplimiento de las reglas es malo.

B1

Debido al incumplimiento de [noun], [consequence].

Debido al incumplimiento de pago, cortaron la luz.

B1

Evitar el incumplimiento de [noun].

Debemos evitar el incumplimiento de los plazos.

B2

Se sancionará el incumplimiento de [noun].

Se sancionará el incumplimiento de la normativa.

B2

En caso de incumplimiento, [result].

En caso de incumplimiento, el contrato se anula.

C1

Ante el flagrante incumplimiento de [noun]...

Ante el flagrante incumplimiento de los derechos...

C1

[Noun] derivado del incumplimiento de...

El daño derivado del incumplimiento de contrato.

C2

La tipificación del incumplimiento como...

La tipificación del incumplimiento como delito grave.

어휘 가족

명사

incumplimiento
cumplimiento
cumplidor (person who fulfills)

동사

incumplir
cumplir

형용사

incumplido
cumplido
incumplidor

관련

compromiso
obligación
deber
promesa
contrato

사용법

frequency

High in news, legal, and business; Medium in daily social life.

자주 하는 실수
  • incunplimiento incumplimiento

    Writing an 'n' before 'p' is incorrect in Spanish grammar.

  • incumplimiento el contrato incumplimiento del contrato

    You must use the preposition 'de' (de + el = del) to connect the failure to the object.

  • Él es incumplimiento. Él cometió un incumplimiento.

    'Incumplimiento' is a noun (a failure), not an adjective (a person). Use 'incumplidor' if you want to describe the person.

  • la incumplimiento el incumplimiento

    The word is masculine.

  • incumplimiento de ley incumplimiento de la ley

    In Spanish, abstract nouns like 'law' usually require a definite article.

Preposition Usage

Don't forget the 'de'. In English we say 'contract breach', but in Spanish it's always 'incumplimiento de contrato'.

The M-P Rule

Always use 'm' before 'p'. In-cu-M-pli-miento. This is a common rule in Spanish that helps you avoid spelling errors.

Legal Context

If you are reading a lease or a work contract in Spanish, look for this word to understand what happens if things go wrong.

Syllable Breakdown

Break it down: in-cum-pli-mien-to. Practice the 'mien' sound, which is like the English word 'yen'.

Objective Tone

Use this word in business emails to sound professional when a deadline is missed. It sounds less aggressive than 'you failed'.

Political News

Pay attention to this word in news about politics. It's the most common way to talk about politicians not doing what they promised.

Choosing Alternatives

Use 'infracción' for laws and 'incumplimiento' for agreements. This distinction will make you sound like a more advanced speaker.

Opposites

Learn it alongside 'cumplimiento'. Knowing the pair makes it much easier to remember both.

Register

Avoid using it for very small things, like someone forgetting a fork, or you will sound like a lawyer at a picnic.

Formal Cues

When you hear this word, prepare for a serious topic. It's rarely used in jokes or lighthearted talk.

암기하기

기억법

Think of 'IN-COMPLETE-ment'. It is the state of something being incomplete because you didn't do it.

시각적 연상

Imagine a signed contract with a giant red 'X' through it, or a person standing at an empty finish line while the clock runs out.

Word Web

Contrato Multa Ley Promesa Deber Sanción Falta Responsabilidad

챌린지

Try to write three sentences using 'incumplimiento': one about a contract, one about a promise, and one about a safety rule.

어원

From the Spanish prefix 'in-' (negation) and the noun 'cumplimiento', which comes from the verb 'cumplir'.

원래 의미: The root is the Latin verb 'complere', meaning 'to fill up' or 'to complete'.

Romance / Latinate.

문화적 맥락

It is a strong word. Calling someone's action an 'incumplimiento' is a formal accusation. Use it carefully in social settings to avoid being overly confrontational.

In English, we often use 'breach' for contracts and 'failure' for duties. 'Incumplimiento' covers both, but is more formal than 'failure'.

Legal codes like the 'Código Civil' in Spain extensively define 'incumplimiento'. News headlines about 'incumplimiento de la deuda externa' (foreign debt default). Literary themes of 'incumplimiento del destino' in García Márquez's works.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Legal

  • incumplimiento de contrato
  • demanda por incumplimiento
  • daños por incumplimiento
  • cláusula de incumplimiento

Finance

  • incumplimiento de pago
  • riesgo de incumplimiento
  • aviso de incumplimiento
  • tasa de incumplimiento

Workplace

  • incumplimiento de horario
  • incumplimiento de tareas
  • incumplimiento de objetivos
  • sanción laboral

Safety

  • incumplimiento de normas
  • incumplimiento de protocolos
  • incumplimiento de seguridad
  • riesgo laboral

Politics

  • incumplimiento de promesas
  • incumplimiento de acuerdos
  • incumplimiento de tratados
  • denuncia pública

대화 시작하기

"¿Qué consecuencias crees que debería tener el incumplimiento de las promesas electorales?"

"¿Alguna vez has tenido un problema legal por un incumplimiento de contrato?"

"¿Cómo manejas el incumplimiento de las tareas en tu equipo de trabajo?"

"¿Crees que el incumplimiento de las normas de cortesía es un problema hoy en día?"

"¿Qué harías si un amigo cae en un incumplimiento constante de su palabra?"

일기 주제

Escribe sobre una vez que sentiste decepción por el incumplimiento de una promesa de alguien cercano.

Reflexiona sobre la importancia de evitar el incumplimiento de tus propias metas personales.

Describe un caso de incumplimiento de contrato que hayas leído en las noticias recientemente.

¿Cómo crees que la tecnología puede ayudar a reducir el incumplimiento de las leyes de tráfico?

Escribe un diálogo formal entre un jefe y un empleado sobre un incumplimiento de objetivos.

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

Sí, es una palabra de registro formal. Se usa principalmente en contextos legales, laborales y en las noticias. En una conversación muy casual con amigos, podrías usar palabras como 'fallo' o 'olvido', a menos que quieras sonar serio o sarcástico.

Una infracción suele ser una violación de una norma pública (como una ley de tráfico). Un incumplimiento suele referirse a una obligación privada o específica (como un contrato o una promesa personal).

La traducción exacta es 'incumplimiento de contrato'. Es el término técnico que usan los abogados y las empresas.

Sí, pero suena muy formal. Un profesor podría decir: 'El incumplimiento de las tareas afectará su nota'. Un estudiante diría simplemente 'no hice la tarea'.

Casi siempre se usa la preposición 'de'. Por ejemplo: incumplimiento DE pago, incumplimiento DE contrato, incumplimiento DE normas.

Es un sustantivo masculino: 'el incumplimiento'.

El verbo es 'incumplir'. Por ejemplo: 'Él incumplió su promesa'.

El antónimo principal es 'cumplimiento'. También pueden ser 'obediencia' u 'observancia' dependiendo del contexto.

Se escribe con 'm' antes de la 'p': i-n-c-u-m-p-l-i-m-i-e-n-t-o.

Sí, es una palabra estándar en todo el mundo hispanohablante, especialmente en el lenguaje escrito y formal.

셀프 테스트 110 질문

writing

Write a simple sentence using 'incumplimiento' and 'reglas'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence about a contract breach.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Explain a consequence of failing to pay a bill.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence using 'evitar' and 'incumplimiento de plazos'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Discuss the impact of breaking a treaty.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'Breaking promises is bad.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'The boss spoke about the failure.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Pronounce clearly: 'El incumplimiento'.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Evita el incumplimiento de tus promesas'.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Explain 'incumplimiento de contrato' in Spanish.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify the noun: 'Hubo un gran incumplimiento de las normas.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

What was broken? 'El incumplimiento de pago fue la causa.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

/ 110 correct

Perfect score!

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