From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishperformanceper‧form‧ance /pəˈfɔːməns $ pərˈfɔːr-/ ●●● S2 W1 noun 1 [countable]APPERFORMwhen someone performs a play or a piece of musicperformance of Their performance of Mozart’s Concerto in E flat was finely controlled and dramatic. This evening’s performance will begin at 8.00 pm.2 PERFORM[countable, uncountable] how well or badly a person, company etc does a particular job or activity Sean’s performance at school has greatly improved. I was impressed by the team’s performance. The country’s economic performance so far this year has been good. Shareholders blamed him for the company’s poor performance. her disappointing performance in the Olympics Exam results are used as performance indicators (=things that show how well something is done) for schools.3 [uncountable] the act of doing a piece of work, duty etcperformance of the performance of his official duties4 [uncountable]TTTE how well a car or other machine works The car’s performance on mountain roads was impressive. an imaging system using high-performance (=very effective) technology5 → a performanceCOLLOCATIONSverbsgive a performanceSamuel Jackson gives a terrific performance as Elijah.turn in/deliver a performance (=give a performance)Both actors turn in great performances.In the role of Carmen, Ms Leblanc delivered a quite exquisite performance.go to a performance (also attend a performance formal)We can go to the evening performance if you prefer.The Princess attended a performance of The Magic Flute at the London Coliseum.adjectivesa fine/great performanceThere are fine performances by Kathy Bates and Daryl Hannah.a memorable performance (=good and easy to remember)There were memorable performances from Madonna and U2.a brilliant/magnificent/superb performanceRogers gave a brilliant performance of Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1.a virtuoso performance (=one showing great skill)He delivered a virtuoso performance as The Phantom Of The Opera.a live performance (=one performed for people who are watching)This is the band’s first live performance since last year.a solo performance (=one performed by a single musician, not a group)Young’s solo performances are often his most effective.COMMON ERRORS ► Don’t say ‘have a performance’ or ‘make a performance’. Say give a performance. COLLOCATIONS – Meaning 2: how well or badly a person, company etc does a particular job or activityadjectivesgoodEngland needs to produce another good performance against France.strongThe performance of the retail sector continues to be strong.poorWhy is his performance in school so poor?disappointingThe country’s recent economic performance has been disappointing.lacklustre (=not good or impressive)The team must improve on Saturday’s lacklustre performance.economic performanceIts economic performance has not matched that of other countries.financial performanceOur overall financial performance has improved.verbsimprove somebody’s performanceThese changes significantly improve the performance of the engine.produce a performanceTiger Woods produced one of the best performances of his career.put in/up a (good/bad etc) performanceLiverpool put in a marvellous performance in the second half.assess somebody’s performance (=judge how good or bad it is)Banks assess the performance and prospects of firms before lending.monitor somebody’s performanceThe children's performance at school is continually monitored.performance + NOUNperformance indicators (=things that show how well someone or something is doing)We use a set of performance indicators to assess the level of progress.performance targetsSeveral train operators failed to meet the performance targets.
Examples from the Corpus
performance• There was a performance of "Gisele" in the San Diego State Open Air Theatre.• The school has tried to use technology and writing across subjects to improve students' academic performance.• Targets may be set for any parameter that can be measured as the project proceeds, such as cost, time and performance.• Three criteria have been chosen, attempting to measure the most important attributes of company performance over the year.• the disappointing performance of the bond market• The evening performance will begin at 8:00 pm.• It is the first performance of Berlioz's Requiem in this city in over 20 years.• Its performance on mountain roads was impressive.• Have you ever heard a live performance of Beethoven's Seventh Symphony?• Quick, somebody book a local performance.• Only time will tell if this is a serious effort at improving both public sector accountability and overall performance.• But the Lakers were up to the task, despite one of the Clippers' better recent performances.• There are no tickets left for this evening's performance.• This evening's performance begins at 8:00 pm.• The new program will better evaluate the performance of students and teachers.• the performance of his official duties• Some companies link pay to performance.• Investors respond to performance and we've not been in existence long enough yet.performance of• The festival opens with a performance of Mozart's Requiem.high-performance• a high-performance carFrom Longman Business Dictionaryperformanceper‧form‧ance /pəˈfɔːmənspərˈfɔːr-/ noun1[countable, uncountable]FINANCE the degree to which a company, investment, financial market etc is profitableThe company is showing strong performance and doing considerably better than the retail industry as a whole.They will report a $500 million loss, one of the worst performances ever by a US brokerage firm.2[uncountable]MANUFACTURING how well a machine, vehicle etc worksConsumers believed the car’s price was relatively expensive for its performance.3[uncountable]HUMAN RESOURCES the way that someone does their job, and how well they do itSome people were critical of her performance as a manager.4[uncountable]LAW the act of doing the things mentioned in a contract in the way that they should be donethe seller’s performance of his part of the contract → specific performance 