In terms of consideration, what does executory mean?

Executory consideration refers to a situation where the obligations stipulated in a contract have not yet been fulfilled or performed at the time when the agreement is made. This is a fundamental concept in contract law, wherein one or both parties commit to perform certain acts or deliver goods at a future date.

For instance, if Party A agrees to deliver goods to Party B in a month, the consideration—Party A's promise to deliver—is considered executory until the actual delivery occurs. This distinguishes it from executed consideration, which refers to an agreement where the terms have already been fulfilled.

Understanding executory consideration is crucial for recognizing how contracts function over time and the expectation of performance that binds the parties. It emphasizes the need for promises or actions that are yet to be realized, which is pivotal in legal discussions regarding enforceability and obligations within contracts.