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
SACs produced from plastic waste showed excellent performance in breaking down diverse micropollutants in water and in boosting clean-energy technologies such as batteries and fuel cells.
—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2025
Her Liberal Democratic Party is still recovering from corruption scandals, and her performance abroad could shape both her political future and her party’s recovery.
—Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2025
Designed specifically for female feet to provide a next-level fit, according to the brand, these boast a padded heel, performance-level cushioning, and a no-slip tongue that will stay in place far beyond 10,000 steps.
—Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 26 Oct. 2025
Building off a masterful National League Championship Series performance, Yamamoto became the first pitcher to log consecutive postseason complete games since Arizona Diamondbacks ace Curt Schilling in 2001, and the first Dodger to do it since Orel Hershiser in 1988.
—Andy McCullough, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for performance
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2025
Her Liberal Democratic Party is still recovering from corruption scandals, and her performance abroad could shape both her political future and her party’s recovery.
—Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2025
Designed specifically for female feet to provide a next-level fit, according to the brand, these boast a padded heel, performance-level cushioning, and a no-slip tongue that will stay in place far beyond 10,000 steps.
—Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 26 Oct. 2025
Building off a masterful National League Championship Series performance, Yamamoto became the first pitcher to log consecutive postseason complete games since Arizona Diamondbacks ace Curt Schilling in 2001, and the first Dodger to do it since Orel Hershiser in 1988.
—Andy McCullough, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for performance
Cite this Entry
“Performance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/performance. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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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