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

Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about performance

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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

The differences in performance range from marginal to noticeable. — Sam Machkovech, Ars Technica, "Evidence continues to mount about how bad Denuvo is for PC gaming performance," 26 Dec. 2018 So how does Stephen Lang’s performance play into the character? — Bryan Bishop, The Verge, "How Weta Digital created the steampunk world of Mortal Engines," 21 Dec. 2018 During performance season, her husband stays at home with the kids on weekends, and a nanny watches them on weekdays. — Kate Bennis, Good Housekeeping, "How This Rockette and Mother of Four Gets It Done," 20 Dec. 2018 Intel Teraflop of graphics performance Improvements don’t stop at the x86 cores. — Gordon Mah Ung, PCWorld, "Surprise! Intel reveals 10nm Sunny Cove CPU cores that go deeper, wider, and faster," 12 Dec. 2018 Now, it’s been revealed that Reagan will perform with frontrunner Kennedy Holmes in the upcoming Top 8 performance episode. — Megan Stein, Country Living, "'The Voice' Pairs Reagan Strange With Kennedy Holmes a Week After DeAndre Nico Controversy," 10 Dec. 2018 What are the relevant performance metrics that analysts should consider when evaluating U.S. ride-hailing? — Theodore Schleifer, Recode, "Why Lyft had to beat Uber to an IPO filing," 6 Dec. 2018 After the rousing performance, others including Tina Fey, Iman, and the stars of the show celebrated late into the evening to many cheers. — Edward Barsamian, Vogue, "Oprah, Uma, and Everyone You Know Flocked to To Kill a Mockingbird’s Broadway Opening," 14 Dec. 2018 After an impressive performance in the 2017 playoffs, the Oilers sank last season, finishing with a 36-40 record plus six overtime losses. — Tom Perrotta, WSJ, "Hockey’s Best Player Wants to Bring the Stanley Cup Back to Edmonton," 9 Nov. 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.

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Dictionary Entries near performance

performance-enhancing drug

performative

Statistics for performance

Last Updated

14 Jan 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.

: 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