performance

word

/pɝˈfɔɹməns/
pur-FOR-muhns
/pəfˈɔːməns/
puh-FAW-muhns

Definition

Performance is how well someone or something does a task, or a public show such as music, theater, or dance. It can also describe how well a machine, system, or product works.

Usage & Nuances

A very common word in work, school, arts, sports, and technology. Common patterns: 'job performance', 'academic performance', 'live performance', 'performance review', and 'high-performance engine'. For public shows, 'performance' is more formal than 'show'. In everyday speech, people may say 'do well' instead of 'have good performance' about a person.

Example Sentences

Her performance in the exam was excellent.

basic

We watched a dance performance at school.

basic

This phone has good performance for the price.

basic

The team's performance has improved a lot this season.

natural

That was the best live performance I've seen in years.

natural

My manager mentioned my performance during the review.

natural