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

• account
• interpretation
• reading
• rendition
• version

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

The analyst found that the company’s performance was uniformly impressive, and said the quarter marked a turning point in Snowflake’s growth story. —Tipranks.com Staff, CNBC, 1 Dec. 2024

Both environments questioned whether performance necessarily requires an embodied performer, and involved a certain refusal of the figure that has carried the artist’s interest for years. —Ellen Y. Tani, Artforum, 1 Dec. 2024

When performer Moon Ok-gyeong leaves the theater after a performance, she’s surrounded by avid fans, mostly young girls who beg for autographs and offer her flowers. —Joan MacDonald, Forbes, 1 Dec. 2024

The performance included another great escape, which set social media ablaze and spotlighted the 19-year-old’s big-play ability. —Edgar Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 1 Dec. 2024

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

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