performance

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

Updated on: 19 Apr 2018

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

Free agent QB Mark Sanchez has been suspended for four games after violating the NFL's performance-enhancing drugs policy.

— jacob feldman, SI.com, "Dez Bryant Is Winning His Breakup with the Cowboys," 16 Apr. 2018
Here are five question the Heat need to answer to get a better performance. 1.

— dave hyde, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Hyde5: How do Heat slow down Simmons? Where's Richardson? Five Game 2 questions," 16 Apr. 2018
And significant gaps persist in academic performance among students along racial, socioeconomic and other lines throughout the state.

— clara hatcher, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Wisconsin students' scores stagnant in 2017 National Report Card," 16 Apr. 2018
The broadcast will feature performances by Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum, Florida Georgia Line and Jason Aldean, among others.

— gabe cohn, New York Times, "What’s on TV Sunday: Country Music Awards and ‘The Walking Dead’," 15 Apr. 2018
The party featured a performance by Rae Sremmurd, who closed out the event by jumping in the pool — with microphone in hand!

— brianne tracy, PEOPLE.com, "Kylie Jenner, Rihanna and Leonardo DiCaprio! Inside All of Coachella's Hottest Parties," 15 Apr. 2018
In that game for Samford, Lexie Higgins homered and drove in three runs in a 1-for-2 performance.

— samford athletics, AL.com, "Samford softball wins two to take series from Western Carolina," 15 Apr. 2018
After postponing her appearance at the Coachella Valley Music Festival last year due to her pregnancy with twins Rumi and Sir Carter, Beyoncé finally debuted a history-making headlining performance on Saturday night.

— emma stefansky, Vanities, "A Destiny’s Child Reunion and More Best Moments of Beyoncé’s Coachella Performance," 15 Apr. 2018
Dee Smith built on a strong performance from the bowl game, and Kaheem Roach also saw time.

— jake lourim, The Courier-Journal, "Brian VanGorder’s first Louisville defense is a work in progress with lots of new faces," 14 Apr. 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