In contract law, a total failure of consideration occurs when one party does not receive any value or benefit from the contract, rendering the agreement void or unenforceable. Consideration is a fundamental element of a contract, referring to something of value that is exchanged between the parties involved. Here are the key aspects that constitute a total failure of consideration:

1. Lack of Performance: If one party fails to perform their obligations under the contract entirely, this can lead to a total failure of consideration. For example, if a seller agrees to deliver goods but never does, the buyer receives nothing in return for their payment.

2. Inadequate or Defective Performance: If the performance provided is so inadequate or defective that it does not fulfill the terms of the contract, it may be considered a total failure of consideration. For instance, if a contractor is paid to build a house but only constructs a foundation, the homeowner has not received the agreed-upon value.

3. Illegality: If the subject matter of the contract is illegal, then there is a total failure of consideration because the law does not recognize any value in an illegal agreement. For example, a contract for the sale of illegal drugs would be void due to its illegal nature.

4. Impossibility of Performance: If it becomes impossible for one party to perform their obligations (due to unforeseen circumstances), and this impossibility is not the fault of the other party, it can lead to a total failure of consideration. For example, if a contract to rent a venue is made, but the venue is destroyed before the event, the renter receives no benefit.

5. Mutual Mistake: If both parties are mistaken about a fundamental fact that is essential to the contract, this can also result in a total failure of consideration. For instance, if both parties believe they are contracting for a specific piece of art that does not exist, the contract may be void due to the mutual mistake.

In cases of total failure of consideration, the affected party may seek remedies such as rescission of the contract or restitution to recover any payments made. Courts generally look at the intent of the parties and the circumstances surrounding the contract to determine whether a total failure of consideration has occurred.