nonperformance

noun

non·​per·​for·​mance ˌnän-pər-ˈfȯr-mən(t)s How to pronounce nonperformance (audio)
-pə-
: neglect or failure to perform
especially : failure to adhere to the terms of an agreement or promise
nonperformance of an obligation
nonperformance of a contract

Examples of nonperformance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Contractual force majeure is rarely invoked and enforced to allow the nonperformance of contracts that have become either impossible or impracticable due to some catastrophic event, including natural disasters and wars. Alexander Talel, WSJ, 22 Oct. 2023 Although strikes have caused some short interruptions over the decades, the theater industry has never known a protracted period of nonperformance such as this: Even during the 1918 flu pandemic, Broadway theaters remained open. Washington Post, 4 Mar. 2021 Drawdowns on letters of credit, for example, which are supposed to be automatic on presentation, are occasionally enjoined for nonperformance, fraud or on other grounds. John Quinn, Forbes, 17 May 2022 The social cost of this nonperformance is significant: a spreading loss of faith in the governing system. Daniel Henninger, WSJ, 1 June 2022 In digital, nonperformance is simply not acceptable. Gary Burtka, Forbes, 21 May 2021 The definition of that phrase includes the reallocation of staff, delaying or modifying nonemergency medical services, and reasonable nonperformance of medical services due to COVID-19. From Usa Today Network and Wire Reports, USA TODAY, 11 May 2021 The definition includes the reallocation of staff, delaying or modifying nonemergency medical services and reasonable nonperformance of medical services due to COVID-19. Tony Cook, The Indianapolis Star, 20 May 2019 In dry and cold conditions, the Pirellis, which fall in the performance winter category, still maintain high grip levels and don’t suffer from the soft-tread squirm that nonperformance winter tires often exhibit. Eric Stafford, Car and Driver, 16 Mar. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'nonperformance.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1510, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nonperformance was circa 1510

Dictionary Entries Near nonperformance

Cite this Entry

“Nonperformance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonperformance. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Legal Definition

nonperformance

noun
non·​per·​for·​mance
ˌnän-pər-ˈfȯr-məns
: neglect or failure to perform

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