performance

noun

per·​for·​mance pər-ˈfȯr-mən(t)s 

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

Synonyms

• account
• interpretation
• reading
• rendition
• version

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.

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Recent Examples on the Web

Holliday also quoted friend and performance artist Alok Vaid-Menon to remind her followers that abortions affect more people than just women. —Diane J. Cho, Peoplemag, 25 Sep. 2023

The Fugees are expected to do ten performances together this fall, starting in Newark, NJ, on Oct. 17 and wrapping up Nov. 9 in Seattle. —Carita Rizzo, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2023

Every year, Billboard and Telemundo recognize standout achievements that go beyond chart performance with special awards. —Leila Cobo, Billboard, 25 Sep. 2023

Readers seeking an unalloyed South African voice prepared to deliver them into a township have often found themselves as disappointed as Beatriz was by Witold’s performance. —Jennifer Wilson, The New Yorker, 25 Sep. 2023

When Rams have the ball (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) Matthew Stafford faces the Bengals for the first time since Super Bowl LVI, and the Rams could use a big performance from the 15th-year pro. —Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2023

Despite this, in late 2022, Sakamoto mustered all of his energy to leave the world with one final performance: a concert film, featuring just him and his piano. —Leo Barraclough, Variety, 25 Sep. 2023

Raymond’s performance follows Rihanna, who performed last year in Glendale, Ariz., making her pregnancy public from the sky-high Super Bowl stage, and catching the attention of fans on social media. —Emmanuel Morgan, New York Times, 24 Sep. 2023

Deion Sanders was blunt about the Colorado Buffaloes’ performance in their 42-6 loss to Oregon on Saturday and dismissed the notion the team needed a dose of reality after starting the year 3-0. —Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 24 Sep. 2023

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Word History

Etymology

perform + -ance

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing performance

• high performance
• performance art
• performance-enhancing drug
• command performance
• specific performance
• repeat performance
• pre-performance

• high performance
• performance art
• performance-enhancing drug
• command performance
• specific performance
• repeat performance
• pre-performance

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Kids Definition

performance

noun

per·​for·​mance pə(r)-ˈfȯr-mən(t)s 

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 contract

—Chady 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 performance

—Casa 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