performance
noun
per·for·mance
pər-ˈfȯr-mən(t)s 
pə-
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
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
Luton also noted that Ballad performs better than or close to the national average on several other measurements of ER performance, including having fewer patients who leave without being treated.
—
Brett Kelman and Samantha Liss, USA TODAY, 9 Apr. 2024
Tour, as well as a performance at massive country music festival Stagecoach.
—Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 9 Apr. 2024
Her performance slot at the 2016 SuperBowl and the Cowboy Carter-inducing appearance at the Country Music Awards illustrate a dichotomy that continues to play out in the responses to Caitlin Clark versus Angel Reese.
—Brooklyn White, Essence, 9 Apr. 2024
After a dominant performance, the Huskies had romped to another double-digit victory – this time taking home the silverware, too.
—Ben Morse, CNN, 9 Apr. 2024
His debut recording on Columbia, released in 1956, was an electrifying performance of Bach’s Goldberg Variations, which had been consigned to academic obscurity.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2024
The variant is named after the 300 SLR that Stirling Moss drove to victory at the Mille Miglia in 1955 and features a slew of performance upgrades.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 8 Apr. 2024
The Grammy winner put her whole heart into a joyful, bittersweet performance as Keith’s widow, Tricia Lucas, and children (Shelley Covel Rowland, Krystal Keith and Stelen Keith Covel) watched.
—Joe Lynch, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Apr. 2024
Sticky inflation Dimon acknowledged strong economic performance of late but cautioned of long-term trends that could undermine the gains.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 8 Apr. 2024
Brett Kelman and Samantha Liss, USA TODAY, 9 Apr. 2024
Tour, as well as a performance at massive country music festival Stagecoach.
—Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 9 Apr. 2024
Her performance slot at the 2016 SuperBowl and the Cowboy Carter-inducing appearance at the Country Music Awards illustrate a dichotomy that continues to play out in the responses to Caitlin Clark versus Angel Reese.
—Brooklyn White, Essence, 9 Apr. 2024
After a dominant performance, the Huskies had romped to another double-digit victory – this time taking home the silverware, too.
—Ben Morse, CNN, 9 Apr. 2024
His debut recording on Columbia, released in 1956, was an electrifying performance of Bach’s Goldberg Variations, which had been consigned to academic obscurity.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2024
The variant is named after the 300 SLR that Stirling Moss drove to victory at the Mille Miglia in 1955 and features a slew of performance upgrades.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 8 Apr. 2024
The Grammy winner put her whole heart into a joyful, bittersweet performance as Keith’s widow, Tricia Lucas, and children (Shelley Covel Rowland, Krystal Keith and Stelen Keith Covel) watched.
—Joe Lynch, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Apr. 2024
Sticky inflation Dimon acknowledged strong economic performance of late but cautioned of long-term trends that could undermine the gains.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 8 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'performance.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near performance
Cite this Entry
“Performance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/performance. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
performance
noun
per·for·mance
pə(r)-ˈfȯr-mən(t)s
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
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)
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
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