performance

noun per·for·mance \ pər-ˈfȯr-mən(t)s , pə- \

|Updated on: 13 Jun 2018

Examples: performance in a Sentence

Definition of performance

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 3

See performance defined for English-language learners

See performance defined for kids

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 of performance from the Web

The pilot announcement, though, does come on the heels of a disappointing box office performance from the Star Wars prequel film Solo: A Star Wars Story.

— david z. morris, Fortune, "Game of Thrones," 9 June 2018
With 5 days left to Russia 2018, 90 Minutes presents former world champions England, introducing a new generation hoping to end a string of disappointing performances at major tournaments.

— steve douglas, chicagotribune.com, "World Cup Countdown: England looking to break streak of disappointment in Russia," 9 June 2018
In one of the finest performances in racing history, Secretariat, ridden by Ron Turcotte, completed the 1.5-mile race in 2 minutes and 24 seconds, a dirt-track record for that distance, according to History.com.

— nancy daly, Cincinnati.com, "On this date: Secretariat wins coveted Triple Crown in 1973," 9 June 2018
What happened in Cleveland on Friday night was one of the greatest team performances in the history of championship-clinching games.

— bruce jenkins, San Francisco Chronicle, "Warriors’ title run features a parade of leading men," 9 June 2018
Intel Low Power Display Technology is classic trade show sizzle, promise of performance without much detail to back it up.

— brian barrett, WIRED, "It's Time to Get Excited About the Future of PCs. (Yes, PCs)," 8 June 2018
That’s because Curry had Durant, and Durant’s shot was the crowning moment of a performance that included 43 points, four 30-foot shots and was precisely as magnificent as every part of that sounds.

— ben cohen, WSJ, "How Kevin Durant’s Shot Explains the NBA Finals," 7 June 2018
But the radical, undiluted humanness of Collette’s performance is the movie’s most haunting effect.

— stephanie zacharek, Time, "The Artfully Made Hereditary Is the Latest Horror Film to Elevate the Genre," 7 June 2018
Its 16 processors punch more than 1,600 teraflops, a measure of computer performance.

— The Economist, "Artificial intelligence is awakening the chip industry’s animal spirits," 7 June 2018

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.

First Known Use of performance

15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

performance Synonyms

Other Performing Arts Terms

diva, dramaturgy, loge, prestidigitation, proscenium, supernumerary, zany

PERFORMANCE Defined for English Language Learners

performance

noun

Definition of performance for English Language Learners

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

PERFORMANCE Defined for Kids

performance

noun per·for·mance \ pər-ˈfȯr-məns \

Definition of performance for Students

1 : the carrying out of an action

He's in the performance of his duty.

2 : a public entertainment

We attended a symphony performance.

Law Dictionary

performance

noun per·for·mance

legal Definition of performance

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

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