performance

noun

per·​for·​mance pər-ˈfȯr-mən(t)s How to pronounce performance (audio)
pə-
1
a
: the execution of an action
b
: something accomplished : deed, feat
2
: the fulfillment of a claim, promise, or request : implementation
3
a
: the action of representing a character in a play
b
: a public presentation or exhibition
a benefit performance
4
a
: the ability to perform : efficiency
b
: the manner in which a mechanism performs
engine performance
5
: the manner of reacting to stimuli : behavior
6
: the linguistic behavior of an individual : parole
also : the ability to speak a certain language compare competence sense 1c

Examples of performance in a Sentence

This evening's performance will start at 8 o'clock. The hall is usually used for orchestra performances. The critics loved her performance as the villain. A supervisor will evaluate each employee's performance. employees with strong job performances Employees are given an annual performance assessment. The gas additive improves engine performance. an increased level of performance We've introduced new performance levels.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keaton was involved with Beatty at the time, though her performance hardly takes a backseat to his portrayal of lefty journalist John Reed. Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 12 Oct. 2025 Unlike Reggie Jackson in 1977, Derek Jeter in 2000 and Alex Rodriguez in 2009, who all contributed monster performances when the Yanks won, Judge doesn’t have a great cast of players around him. Barry M. Bloom, Sportico.com, 12 Oct. 2025 In live performances of the indie pop hit, Role Model has often invited a fan, another musician, or some other special guest to play the part of Sally. William Vaillancourt, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2025 For the third time in a row, the booster will not return to the launch site, instead landing in the Gulf of Mexico, now renamed the Gulf of America, as SpaceX attempts to push its performance beyond what has been attempted. Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 12 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for performance

Word History

Etymology

perform + -ance

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of performance was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Performance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/performance. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

performance

noun
per·​for·​mance pə(r)-ˈfȯr-mən(t)s How to pronounce performance (audio)
1
a
: the doing of an action
b
: something accomplished : deed, feat
2
a
: the action of representing a character in a play
b
: a public presentation
3
: the manner in which something performs
an engine's performance

Legal Definition

performance

noun
per·​for·​mance
1
: work done in employment
unsatisfactory performance
2
a
: what is required to be performed in fulfillment of a contract, promise, or obligation
substituted a new performance in novation of the contract
b
: the fulfillment of a contract, promise, or obligation
part performance
: partial performance of a contract, promise, or obligation
: a doctrine which provides an exception to the Statute of Frauds requirement that a contract be in writing by treating partial performance and the acceptance of it by the other party as evidence of an enforceable contract compare partial breach at breach
specific performance
: the complete or exact fulfillment of the terms of a contract, promise, or obligation
: an equitable remedy that requires a party to fulfill the exact terms of a contract, promise, obligation, or decree mandating a remedy and that is used when legal remedies (as damages) are inadequate the common law prohibition against specific performance as a remedy for alleged breach of employment contractChady v. Solomon Schechter Day Schs., 645 N.E.2d 983 (1995) compare injunction
substantial performance
: performance of the essential terms of a contract, promise, or obligation a contractor is not entitled to a lien in the absence of substantial performanceCasa Linda Tile & Marble Installers, Inc. v. Highlands Place 1981 Ltd., 642 So. 2d 766 (1994)
: a doctrine which permits a party (as a builder) that acted in good faith to recover from the other party to a contract for a performance that departs in minor respects from what was promised compare material breach at breach
3
: a public rendition or presentation of an artistic work

More from Merriam-Webster on performance

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