performance

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

|Updated on: 11 Jul 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

Newton had a match-winning performance, minus his teammates supplying the requisite goal.

— patrick brennan, Cincinnati.com, "FC Cincinnati, Nashville SC play to scoreless tie in first-ever meeting," 7 July 2018
Batum has already endorsed that idea on Twitter: Friday, Batum praised Monk for his 23-point summer-league performance, and a fan suggested in reply that Monk will be appropriating Batum’s minutes.

— rick bonnell, charlotteobserver, "Why Charlotte Hornets' roster 'clutter' could be bad news for Michael Kidd-Gilchrist," 7 July 2018
Although a single trip is unlikely to carry long-term health risks, Abbott says, jet lag can impair safety and performance, depending on what a traveler is trying to accomplish upon arrival.

— emily sohn, Washington Post, "Time-zone changes can leave people worried about jet lag," 7 July 2018
The facility also hosts theater performances, concerts, festivals and even sporting events.

— jennifer billock, Smithsonian, "How a Record-Breaking Aerial Tramway Helped Save a Centuries-Old Armenian Monastery," 6 July 2018
During his time at Roger Williams, Dr. Farish loved talking to students, attending sports events and arts performances, and hosting student groups at his home for dinner, Workman said.

— max cohen, Philly.com, "Dr. Donald J. Farish, 75, former president of Rowan University," 6 July 2018
Fully charged, the watch can track for 25 (performance), 50 (endurance), or 120 (ultra) hours.

— ariella gintzler, Outside Online, "Testing the Suunto 9 Sports Watch," 6 July 2018
But especially in the play’s second half, Currier too often defaults to a twitchy disdain, and other performances, such as a blocky Claudius from Rod Gnapp, also fall short.

— SFChronicle.com, "Theater capsule reviews and listings, week of July 8," 5 July 2018
For actors, freelancers and others paid per job or performance, incomes higher than about 50,000 yuan, or $7,700, are taxed at a 40% rate.

— don lee, latimes.com, "In China's 'money worshiping' movie industry, stars' high pay becomes a target of the central government," 5 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