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
Immediately following Engelhardt’s historic performance, Dana Hills junior Evan Noonan won the boys’ 1,600 in a state-leading 4:06.89.
—
Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2024
The change comes as Biden's approval rating rose to 42% in April from 37% in January, according to NBC News, though a majority of voters still disapprove of his performance as president.
—USA TODAY, 21 Apr. 2024
Following her performance at Coachella last week, the artists were photographed chatting and walking around together at the festival.
—Escher Walcott, Peoplemag, 21 Apr. 2024
The long-running celebration of Japanese culture includes four stages this year featuring music and dance performances, as well as food booths and trucks and arts and crafts vendors.
—Sal Pizarro, The Mercury News, 20 Apr. 2024
Sapphira, on the other hand, began her performance more subtly, standing in place and emoting the lyrics with a pair of vampire teeth in her mouth.
—Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 20 Apr. 2024
But a rookie’s début bears about the same relevance to his long-term prospects as his performance as a three-year-old does.
—Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2024
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
Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2024
The change comes as Biden's approval rating rose to 42% in April from 37% in January, according to NBC News, though a majority of voters still disapprove of his performance as president.
—USA TODAY, 21 Apr. 2024
Following her performance at Coachella last week, the artists were photographed chatting and walking around together at the festival.
—Escher Walcott, Peoplemag, 21 Apr. 2024
The long-running celebration of Japanese culture includes four stages this year featuring music and dance performances, as well as food booths and trucks and arts and crafts vendors.
—Sal Pizarro, The Mercury News, 20 Apr. 2024
Sapphira, on the other hand, began her performance more subtly, standing in place and emoting the lyrics with a pair of vampire teeth in her mouth.
—Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 20 Apr. 2024
But a rookie’s début bears about the same relevance to his long-term prospects as his performance as a three-year-old does.
—Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2024
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
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 24 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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