English Dictionary

Define dictionary terms easily in our powerful online English dictionary.

Searching for...

No matching words found

Try a different search term or browse the dictionary

Definition performance in British English

performance noun

noun
/pə(r)ˈfɔː(r)məns/
1

the act of performing a play, dance, or other form of entertainment

Example

The first performance of the opera was in 1936.

Example

The school drama society will give a performance of Hamlet.

Synonyms and related words
1.1

the way that a person or group of people performs a piece of music or other entertainment

Example

She gave the greatest performance of her career.

Example

The quality of the performances was variable.

Synonyms and related words
2

the standard to which someone does something such as a job or an examination

Example

Teachers have to measure students' performance against specific objectives.

Example

The report said the performance of the museum staff was outstanding.

Synonyms and related words
2.1

the speed and effectiveness of a machine or vehicle

Example

an exciting car with outstanding performance

Synonyms and related words
2.2

the degree of success of an investment in making money for you

Example

Before deciding on a pension, consider its past performance.

Synonyms and related words
3

the process of doing a job or action

Example

a charge of hindering the police in the performance of their duty

Synonyms and related words
4

something that is difficult or complicated to do

Example

Getting everything into the car was quite a performance.

Synonyms and related words
Definition performance in British English