What does "performance" mean?
The act of performing; carrying into execution or action; execution; achievement; accomplishment; representation by action.
Performance
/[pəˈfɔː.məns]/ noun
noun ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The act of performing; carrying into execution or action; execution; achievement; accomplishment; representation by action.
- Grammar: performance is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: execution, accomplished fact, accomplishment, accomplishment.
- Useful contrasts: breach, breach of contract, breach of employment contract.
- Usage evidence: The audience acclaimed the actors for their performance.
How to use "performance"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "performance" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "performance" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "performance" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "performance" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "performance" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "execution" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "performance", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The act of performing; carrying into execution or action; execution; achievement; accomplishment; representation by action. countable, uncountable
"the performance of an undertaking or a duty"
- 2 any recognized accomplishment wordnet
- 3 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. countable, uncountable
- 4 the act of performing; of doing something successfully; using knowledge as distinguished from merely possessing it wordnet
- 5 A live show or concert. countable, uncountable
"The band played a mix of old and new songs during their 90-minute performance."
Show 5 more definitions
- 6 the act of presenting a play or a piece of music or other entertainment wordnet
- 7 The amount of useful work accomplished estimated in terms of time needed, resources used, etc. countable, uncountable
"Better performance means more work accomplished in shorter time and/or using fewer resources."
- 8 a dramatic or musical entertainment wordnet
- 9 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. countable, uncountable
- 10 process or manner of functioning or operating wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"The audience acclaimed the actors for their performance."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "performance"?
Common synonyms include: execution, accomplished fact, accomplishment, accomplishment, accordance, achieve language learning goals.
How do you use "performance" in a sentence?
The audience acclaimed the actors for their performance.
How do you pronounce "performance"?
Pronounced /[pəˈfɔː.məns]/.
Etymology
From Middle English parfourmaunce; equivalent to perform + -ance.