performance

noun

per·for·mance | \ pər-ˈfȯr-mən(t)s

, pə-\

Definition of performance

1a : the execution of an action

b : something accomplished : deed, feat

2 : the fulfillment of a claim, promise, or request : implementation

3a : the action of representing a character in a play

b : a public presentation or exhibition a benefit performance

4a : 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

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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

His bail was set at $100,000 cash performance and $100,000 cash appearance. — Michelle Theriault Boots, Anchorage Daily News, "Three more teens charged in Thunderbird Falls killing," 10 June 2019 Cash flow and financial performance Stable and predictable cash flow is critical to a potential buyer. — Tom Cooney And Crystal Faulkner, Cincinnati.com, "Businesswise: Pay attention to business value drivers before an exit looms," 10 June 2019 The party begins with a colorful procession from the Gayborhood to Penn’s Landing, where the day unfolds around a stage hosting celebrity guests, drag performances and local and national musical acts. — Jim Byers, latimes.com, "NYC is all about pride as it celebrates Stonewall's 50th anniversary," 9 June 2019 Since their dismal World Cup performance and only marginally better Nations League campaign, Germany have steadied the ship, going unbeaten in their last five fixtures including an impressive 3-2 victory away against a resurgent Dutch side. — SI.com, "Germany vs Estonia Preview: Where to Watch, Live Stream, Kick Off Time & Team News," 9 June 2019 And though much of the movement’s frustrations are left unexplored, the show still manages a strong takedown of the male ego — all while delivering consistant laughs and solid performances. — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE.com, "Tony Awards 2019: All the Musicals Up for Best New Musical," 7 June 2019 Despite the push-back from ABC, the musical has been embraced by Bachelor Nation, with former Bachelor Nick Viall attending the May performance and Bachelor alums Ashley Iaconetti, Jared Haibon and Bekah Martinez as former guests. — Kirsten Chuba, The Hollywood Reporter, "ABC Lawyers Shut Down 'Bachelor the Musical' Poster," 7 June 2019 Between Kidman’s tight, interior performance and Weigert’s gentle but ruthless portrayal of a woman shredding Celeste’s layers of denial, Big Little Lies gave a profound treatment to domestic abuse and its impact. — Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, "The Family Values of Big Little Lies," 7 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'performance.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near performance

performance-enhancing drug

performative

Statistics for performance

Last Updated

13 Jun 2019

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Time Traveler for performance

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

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More Definitions for performance

performance

noun

English Language Learners Definition of performance

: an activity (such as singing a song or acting in a play) that a person or group does to entertain an audience

: the way an actor performs a part in a play, movie, etc.

somewhat formal : the act of doing a job, an activity, etc.

See the full definition for performance in the English Language Learners Dictionary

performance

noun

per·for·mance | \ pər-ˈfȯr-məns

Kids Definition of performance

1 : the carrying out of an action He's in the performance of his duty.

2 : a public entertainment We attended a symphony performance.

performance

noun

per·for·mance

Legal Definition of performance

1 : work done in employment unsatisfactory performance

2a : 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

1 : partial performance of a contract, promise, or obligation

2 : 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

1 : the complete or exact fulfillment of the terms of a contract, promise, or obligation

2 : 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

1 : 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)

2 : 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