performance

plural performances · alternative performaunce

1. countableuncountableThe act of performing; carrying into execution or action; execution; achievement; accomplishment; representation by action.

   the performance of an undertaking or a duty

   3 more examples

   Though the result wasn't what we were hoping for, I have to commend the performance of the team, never giving up until the end.

   Charles had not been employed above six months at Darracott Place, but he was not such a whopstraw as to make the least noise in the performance of his duties when his lordship was out of humour.

   1959, Georgette Heyer, chapter 1, in The Unknown Ajax

   The outstanding train on the L.M.S. route was the 6.20 p.m. from Birmingham, which reached Euston in two hours after intermediate stops at Coventry, Rugby and Watford Junction, and evoked some sparkling performances from "Patriot" and "Jubilee" 4-6-0s.

   1960 February 28, R. C. Riley, “The London-Birmingham services - Past, Present and Future”, in Trains Illustrated, page 98

2. countableuncountableThat 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.
3. countableuncountableartA live show or concert.

   We saw the whole ballet performance from the front row.

   1 more example

   The band played a mix of old and new songs during their 90-minute performance.

4. countableuncountableThe amount of useful work accomplished estimated in terms of time needed, resources used, etc.

   Better performance means more work accomplished in shorter time and/or using fewer resources.

5. countableuncountablehuman sciencesThe 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.