performance — English Dictionary

Noun

1. The act of performing; carrying into execution or action; execution; achievement; accomplishment; representation by action.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

   Examples

   the performance of an undertaking or a duty

   Though the result wasn't what we were hoping for, I have to commend the performance of the team, never giving up until the end.

   More examples (2)

   Charles had not been employed above six months at Darracott Place, but he was not such a whopstraw as to make the least noise in the performance of his duties when his lordship was out of humour.

   The outstanding train on the L.M.S. route was the 6.20 p.m. from Birmingham, which reached Euston in two hours after intermediate stops at Coventry, Rugby and Watford Junction, and evoked some sparkling performances from "Patriot" and "Jubilee" 4-6-0s.

2. That which is performed or accomplished; a thing done or carried through; an achievement; a deed; an act; a feat; especially, an action of an elaborate or public character.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

3. A live show or concert.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

   Examples

   The band played a mix of old and new songs during their 90-minute performance.

   We saw the whole ballet performance from the front row.

4. The amount of useful work accomplished estimated in terms of time needed, resources used, etc.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

   Examples

   Better performance means more work accomplished in shorter time and/or using fewer resources.

5. The actual use of language in concrete situations by native speakers of a language, as opposed to the system of linguistic knowledge they possess (competence), cf. linguistic performance.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

Noun

1. a dramatic or musical entertainment

   Synonyms

   public presentation

   Broader terms

   show

   Examples

   they listened to ten different performances

   the play ran for 100 performances

   More examples (1)

   the frequent performances of the symphony testify to its popularity

2. the act of presenting a play or a piece of music or other entertainment

   Broader terms

   presentationpresentmentdemonstration

   Examples

   we congratulated him on his performance at the rehearsal

   an inspired performance of Mozart's C minor concerto

3. the act of performing; of doing something successfully; using knowledge as distinguished from merely possessing it

   Synonyms

   executioncarrying outcarrying into action

   Broader terms

   action

   Examples

   they criticized his performance as mayor

   experience generally improves performance

4. any recognized accomplishment

   Broader terms

   accomplishmentachievement

   Examples

   they admired his performance under stress

   when Roger Maris powered four home runs in one game, his performance merits awe

5. process or manner of functioning or operating

   Synonyms

   operationfunctioning

   Broader terms

   processphysical process

   Examples

   the power of its engine determines its operation

   the plane's operation in high winds

   More examples (2)

   they compared the cooking performance of each oven

   the jet's performance conformed to high standards