performance
noun
per·for·mance
| \ pər-ˈfȯr-mən(t)s
, pÉ™-\
, pÉ™-\
Definition of performance
2
: the fulfillment of a claim, promise, or request : implementation
3a
: the action of representing a character in a play
b
: a public presentation or exhibition
a benefit performance
4a
: 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
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Synonyms for performance
Synonyms
account, interpretation, reading, rendition, version
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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.
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Recent Examples on the Web
In addition to live performances from top local talent, a free caramel apple bar and a cash bar will be available. — Carol Kovach, cleveland.com, "Lakewood Community, European festivals set for Sept. 7: A Place in the Sun," 3 Sep. 2019 There was yet another stellar performance from Tua Tagovailoa who looked like a Heisman Trophy favorite. — John Talty | Jtalty@al.com, al, "The SEC’s shaky Saturday overshadows big wins," 1 Sep. 2019 Treinen then worked a scoreless seventh, striking out two, his best performance in a big game to date after enduring a mostly lousy season. — Susan Slusser, SFChronicle.com, "A’s bats go cold late in 11-inning loss to Yankees," 31 Aug. 2019 Expect an explosive performance from the symphony as well as cannons and fireworks. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "12 things to do in San Diego this weekend: Barona Powwow, Latinx New Play Festival, Sand Sculpting Challenge," 30 Aug. 2019 The Ducks need a breakout performance from one of their receivers. — oregonlive, "UO quarterback Justin Herbert’s childhood hero is former Oregon RB LaMichael James: Issues & Answers," 29 Aug. 2019 This year’s lineup up featured artists who gave crowd-pleasing performances from names like FKA twigs, Jill Scott, Tierra Whack and more. — Essence, "Afropunk 2019: Everything We Loved This Year At Brooklyn's Blackest Festival," 27 Aug. 2019 Hosted by comedian Sebastian Maniscalco, the event will include performances from some of music’s biggest names: Taylor Swift, Lil Nas X, Lizzo, Shawn Mendes, Camila Cabello, and many more will be hitting the stage. — Vogue, "MTV VMAs 2019: Fashion—Live From the Red Carpet," 26 Aug. 2019 Viewers instead were shown a musical performance from the group Cheat Codes. — Phil Rosenthal, chicagotribune.com, "A look at ESPN’s documentary on the NFL’s 4 female owners: ‘I don’t want (players) to look on me as some little old lady who is just kind of hanging around’," 25 Aug. 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'performance.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for performance
performance
noun
English Language Learners Definition of performance
: an activity (such as singing a song or acting in a play) that a person or group does to entertain an audience
: the way an actor performs a part in a play, movie, etc.
somewhat formal
: the act of doing a job, an activity, etc.
See the full definition for performance in the English Language Learners Dictionary
performance
noun
per·for·mance
| \ pər-ˈfȯr-məns
\
\
Kids Definition of performance
1
: the carrying out of an action
He's in the performance of his duty.
2
: a public entertainment
We attended a symphony performance.
performance
noun
per·for·mance
Legal Definition of performance
1
: work done in employment
unsatisfactory performance
2a
: 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
1
: partial performance of a contract, promise, or obligation
2
: 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
1
: the complete or exact fulfillment of the terms of a contract, promise, or obligation
2
: 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
1
: 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)
2
: a doctrine which permits a party (as a builder) that acted in good faith to recover from the other party to