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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The grit effected in noisy vocal performances vanishes in a clean tone that’s more ephemeral than that of her predecessor. Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 19 Nov. 2024 The filing details the company's financial performance, including a significant increase in revenue to $58.5 million for the quarter, up from $12.7 million in the same quarter the previous year. Quartz Bot, Quartz, 15 Nov. 2024 Research has also shown that strength training in kids can have a positive influence on psychological well-being and academic performance. Discover Magazine, 15 Nov. 2024 This conservative-leaning economic report ranks states on business climate and economic performance. Jonathan Lansner, Orange County Register, 14 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for performance 

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 1 Dec. 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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