Definition of performance
1a : the execution of an actionb : something accomplished : deed, feat
2 : the fulfillment of a claim, promise, or request : implementation
3a : the action of representing a character in a playb : a public presentation or exhibition a benefit performance
4a : the ability to perform : efficiencyb : 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
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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 of performance from the Web
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And his clutch performances are the stuff of legend.
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The piece consisted of two parts: paintings with images related to the overheard phrases, and a silent performance, accompanied by poster-size versions of the artworks, held in the streets of Bridgetown.
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The roughly year and a half of close to zero returns through mid-May marks the second-worst performance stretch for Cohen, who is used to making money regardless of the market environment.
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Glendale, which also qualified for the postseason, received top-notch performances throughout the campaign from Fong, Lopez and Salvador.
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Many in the party attribute the ANC’s poor performance in local elections last year to scandals surrounding the president and want to shore up their popularity ahead of national elections in 2019.
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Ryan Hagan hit a two-run home run in a 1-for-5 performance.
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As controversial as Waters' Desert Trip performance was, his most biting commentaries were left on the cutting room floor.
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Apple promises up to 10 hours of screen-on time on a single charge on the iPad, and its real-life performance is in line with the company's claims.
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.
15th Century
First Known Use of performance
15th century
Other Performing Arts Terms
PERFORMANCE Defined for English Language Learners
performance
playDefinition of performance for English Language Learners
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: an activity (such as singing a song or acting in a play) that a person or group does to entertain an audience
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: the way an actor performs a part in a play, movie, etc.
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: the act of doing a job, an activity, etc.
PERFORMANCE Defined for Kids
performance
playDefinition 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
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
Learn More about performance
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for performance Spanish Central: Translation of performance Nglish: Translation of performance for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of performance for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about performance
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