performance

play

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

Updated on: 11 Sep 2017

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

Tickets for the 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday performances are $18, and student, senior and group discounts are available.

— philip potempa, Post-Tribune, "'Love Letters' and new chapter for Valpo famed mystery author Kate Collins," 29 Aug. 2017
Davis responds with stout effort Perhaps sensing the need for a strong performance, Glendale High alumnus Michael Davis turned in arguably his best effort of the preseason Saturday afternoon.

— staff reports, Glendale News-Press, "Sports Briefs: Hoover football game cancelled," 29 Aug. 2017
This isn’t going to be our best performance tonight.

— jason frakes, The Courier-Journal, "PRP QB Robinson cleared to return after injury; Trinity's win streak now longest," 26 Aug. 2017
The test scores for seventh- and eighth-grade math come from those students' performance on the Algebra I and geometry exams, according to the HCPS news release.

— david anderson, The Aegis, "Harford students again shine on PARCC tests," 25 Aug. 2017
The president* seems just a tad displeased by the performance of the congressional Republican leaders.

— charles p. pierce, Esquire, "The Republicans Are Their Own Worst Enemies," 24 Aug. 2017
Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire and George Strait were all feted with performances by Brad Paisley, Hillary Scott, Kimberly Schlapman and Karen Fairchild of Little Big Town, Chris Stapleton and Alan Jackson.

— Washington Post, "George Strait, Dolly Parton, late Glen Campbell given honors," 24 Aug. 2017
Twenty-nine of Montgomery's 56 schools were taken over by the state board of education in January due to chronically low academic performance.

— trisha powell crain, AL.com, "Alabama BOE member: 'I never considered institutionalizing special ed students'," 24 Aug. 2017
During her performance onstage, the singer slid her hand over her belly to announce that, yup, there was a baby coming.

— leah melby clinton, Glamour, "The MTV VMAs' Most Memorable Red Carpet Fashion Moments Ever," 24 Aug. 2017

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

performance Synonyms

Synonyms

interpretation, account, reading, rendition, version

Antonyms

nonfulfillment, nonperformance

Related Words

adaptation, reworking, variation

Other Performing Arts Terms

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

PERFORMANCE Defined for English Language Learners

performance

play

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

play

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