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

Keep scrolling for more

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

Bobby, along with Antoni Porowski and Tan France, put on a powerhouse of a performance to some of Britney Spears' greatest hits. — Maddie Hiatt, House Beautiful, "UPDATE: Bobby Berk Returned To TV Last Night As Britney Spears," 18 Jan. 2019 New York Fed President John Williams said Friday that interest rate and balance sheet adjustments will depend on the economy’s performance, and added that an extended government shutdown could slow the economy. — Riva Gold, WSJ, "U.S. Stocks Continue to Move Higher," 18 Jan. 2019 The tape also controlled the lighting and music through audio impulses, synchronizing the performances and effects with the soundtrack. — Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "The Disney Attraction Powered by Nuclear Weapons Tech," 16 Jan. 2019 There's not that much new here, but the show is plenty entertaining and more than worth watching for Ali's performance alone. — Taylor Antrim, Vogue, "Three New Crime Shows To Get Hooked on Now," 12 Jan. 2019 Nvidia The performance and efficiency should also translate into faster and thinner laptops too. — Gordon Mah Ung, PCWorld, "Nvidia reveals RTX laptop GPUs, FreeSync support for GeForce graphics cards," 7 Jan. 2019 With two strong performances and a heartwarming message about overcoming prejudice? — Alissa Wilkinson, Vox, "Green Book builds a feel-good comedy atop an artifact of shameful segregation. Yikes.," 7 Jan. 2019 Last night’s surprise further confirmed the two singers not only have no bad blood, but are also game to come together for a good performance and a good cause. — Emma Sarran Webster, Teen Vogue, "Hayley Kiyoko and Taylor Swift Surprised Fans with a Duet Performance," 6 Dec. 2018 The materials used for the fitness pieces has four-way stretch, protects you from harmful UV rays, and features EleVen pro-dri for quick-dry performance and breathability. — Marina Liao, Marie Claire, "Your First Look at Venus Williams' "Morning Glory" Collection for EleVen," 28 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.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about performance

Dictionary Entries near performance

performance-enhancing drug

performative

Statistics for performance

Last Updated

24 Jan 2019

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for performance

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

See more words from the same century

Keep scrolling for more

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