performance

noun

per·​for·​mance pər-ˈfȯr-mən(t)s How to pronounce performance (audio)
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

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 On a good weekend of stand-up, a comedian might gain 20 new followers from several performances. Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 4 Mar. 2024 The best movies and performances of 2023 are honored at the Oscars, hosted by Jimmy Kimmel. Gerrad Hall, EW.com, 4 Mar. 2024 The show will feature performances by Justin Timberlake, Green Day, TLC, Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, Tate McRae and more. Paul Grein, Billboard, 4 Mar. 2024 Notably called 'Francis Scott off-Key' by then ESPN anchor Charlie Steiner the performance has stuck with Lewis since that night. James Powel, USA TODAY, 4 Mar. 2024 The song earned a Grammy nomination for record of the year and best female vocal rock performance. Ellise Shafer, Variety, 4 Mar. 2024 There’s competition for roster spots, of course, and performance in live settings surely plays some factor. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2024 The group embraced its own transience in performances that existed only in the seconds needed to sing or say or spin them. Jackson Arn, The New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2024 Agbo was one of four Broncos to score in double figures against San Jose State, totaling 14 points on 5-for-10 shooting, including a 4-for-7 performance from 3-point range. Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 21 Feb. 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.

Word History

Etymology

perform + -ance

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of performance was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near performance

Cite this Entry

“Performance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/performance. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

performance

noun
per·​for·​mance pə(r)-ˈfȯr-mən(t)s How to pronounce performance (audio)
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 contractChady 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 performanceCasa 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

More from Merriam-Webster on performance

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