performance

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

|Updated on: 8 Aug 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

Carton has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the rankings this summer, thanks to his performance on the AAU circuit and at other events.

— orion sang, Detroit Free Press, "5-star basketball prospect D.J. Carton picks Ohio State over Michigan," 14 July 2018
Eastern played particularly well late last season, and his focus has turned to building on his performance to benefit the Boilermakers.

— michael osipoff, Post-Tribune, "Evanston grad Nojel Eastern 'living in the moment' at Purdue after NBA draft process," 14 July 2018
Orlando City came out firing and put together one of its best first-half performances of the season.

— jordan culver, Pro Soccer USA, "Orlando City earns 2-1 win over Toronto FC, snaps nine-match MLS losing skid," 14 July 2018
Isaac has been praised for his three summer league performances.

— josh robbins, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Magic will hold Mo Bamba, Jonathan Isaac out from Thursday's game," 13 July 2018
Dressed in a variety of pastel shades, the band took the no-frills route for their performance, opting for no elaborate costumes or staging, just pure soaring guitar leads and vocalist Sameer Gadhi's sweltering falsetto.

— sam tornow, Billboard, "Young the Giant Perform Expansive New Song, 'Simplify' Live on 'The Late Show': Watch," 13 July 2018
The film showcases Kenzo’s La Collection Memento N°2 and spring/summer 2018 collections, coming full circle from their Kagura performance.

— sarah nechamkin, The Cut, "Watch Kenzo’s Dreamy Reimagining of an Ancient Japanese Folktale," 13 July 2018
The latest poll from Marquette University Law School shows that Walker is still above water in voter’s assessment of his job performance, 49 percent to 47 percent.

— chris stirewalt, Fox News, "Fox News Power Rankings: Hello, Wisconsin," 12 July 2018
Metcalf, 63, snagged the nomination for best supporting actress in a comedy for her performance as Jackie Harris in Roseanne on Thursday, nearly two months after the sitcom was abruptly canceled.

— jodi guglielmi, PEOPLE.com, "Laurie Metcalf Snags an Emmy Nomination for Roseanne After Cancellation," 12 July 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