performance

noun

per·​for·​mance pər-ˈfȯr-mən(t)s 

pə-

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 sense 1c

Synonyms

• interpretation
• version
• rendition

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

Liverpool have not managed to string together two or three consecutive good performances. —Tim Spiers, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025

Venus is finishing up in Virgo, reminding you in your romance + pleasure zone that love should feel like chill joy, not an exhausting performance review. —Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 5 Oct. 2025

The Intel Core Ultra 7 H-series processor ensures fast performance for everyday and office tasks. —Matthew Buzzi, PC Magazine, 5 Oct. 2025

The team also found that such cells worked best when manufactured at 842°F (450 °C), which prevented gold atoms from diffusing (a common issue that harms performance). —Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

perform + -ance

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing performance

• command performance
• high performance
• performance art
• performance-enhancing drug
• pre-performance
• repeat performance
• specific performance

Rhymes for performance

• conformance
• nonperformance

Kids Definition

performance

noun

per·​for·​mance pə(r)-ˈfȯr-mən(t)s 

1

a

: the doing of an action

b

: something accomplished : deed, feat

2

a

: the action of representing a character in a play

b

: a public presentation

3

: the manner in which something performs

an engine's performance

Legal Definition

performance

noun

per·​for·​mance

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

: partial performance of a contract, promise, or obligation

: 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

: the complete or exact fulfillment of the terms of a contract, promise, or obligation

: 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

: 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)

: 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