Engineering English
Contract
Engineering Project Management · Last updated: July 30, 2026 · How this entry was written
Definition: A legally binding agreement in which parties commit to defined scope, prices, timescales, and obligations, and which sets out remedies if those commitments are not met.
Example in context
“The contract fixed the lump sum price, the completion date, and the technical standards that every fabricated steel component had to satisfy.”
“Sözleşme, götürü bedeli, tamamlanma tarihini ve imal edilen her çelik elemanın sağlaması gereken teknik standartları belirledi.”
Where engineers use it
Governs every commercial relationship in engineering projects, from design services to construction. Engineers read the contract to know their scope boundaries, deliverable requirements, and the consequences of late or non-conforming work.
Synonyms: agreement
Practice: can you use “Contract” at work?
A client asks for extra instrumentation that is not listed in your scope. Explain how the contract determines whether this work is free or a variation.
Show a model answer
“The contract defines scope, price, schedule, and each party's obligations.”
“Contract” in 21 languages
| English | Contract |
|---|---|
| Turkish | Sözleşme |
| French | Contrat |
| German | Vertrag |
| Spanish | Contrato |
| Chinese | 合同 |
| Arabic | عقد |
| Portuguese | Contrato |
| Russian | Договор |
| Japanese | 契約 |
| Italian | Contratto |
| Vietnamese | Hợp đồng |
| Hindi | अनुबंध |
| Thai | สัญญา |
| Indonesian | Kontrak |
| Korean | 계약 |
| Bengali | চুক্তি |
| Dutch | Contract |
| Swedish | Kontrakt |
| Finnish | Sopimus |
| Ukrainian | Договір |
Frequently asked questions
What does Contract mean in engineering?
A legally binding agreement in which parties commit to defined scope, prices, timescales, and obligations, and which sets out remedies if those commitments are not met. In Engineering Project Management, the term carries a usage-frequency rating of 10/10 in the Engineering English library.
How do you pronounce Contract?
Contract is pronounced /ˈkɒntrækt/ (IPA). The Engineering English app plays audio for the term and checks your pronunciation with speech recognition.
How is Contract used in a sentence?
Example from an engineering context: “The contract fixed the lump sum price, the completion date, and the technical standards that every fabricated steel component had to satisfy.”
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