career

Performance Review Phrases: Specific and Credible

Upgrade self-review and manager review language with evidence-backed phrasing.

What strong reviews include

Strong review language ties actions to measurable results and business impact.

High-value phrase patterns

  • Owned X initiative, resulting in Y outcome.
  • Aligned A and B teams to reduce C risk.
  • Improved process by D%, saving E hours.

Avoid vague language

Replace generic claims like "worked hard" with clear evidence, scope, and outcomes.

Word Context Matrix

Use this quick matrix to compare core words in this guide and jump directly into deeper lookup pages.

delivered

That has been, or will be, delivered in a specific manner.

improved

That has been made better; enhanced.

aligned

Having been placed, arranged or formed in alignment (with something).

outcomes

plural of outcome

Synonym and Contrast Explorer

delivered

High-value alternatives

freeelectreleasedredeemedunbounduntiedliberatedemancipated

Opposite direction words

bounced

improved

High-value alternatives

betterrevolutionaryrefineddegeneratechangeabledivergentdeviantqualified

aligned

High-value alternatives

lineevenlevelfixedparallelequalcollateralorderly

Opposite direction words

nonaligned

outcomes

High-value alternatives

worktapissueoutendanswercomposition

Real Usage Examples

Example sentences pulled from our lexical corpus to show natural context.

delivered

I delivered my first child last year.

improved

I think your English has improved a lot.

aligned

They aligned themselves with the Liberals.

outcomes

He understood the negative outcomes of being wasteful.

FAQ

Should I mention failures in self-reviews?

Yes, with corrective action and lessons learned.

How many quantified bullets should I include?

Aim for at least 3-5 measurable outcomes for annual reviews.

Explore Related Words

delivered improved aligned outcomes