per ‧ form ‧ ance S2 W1 /pəˈfɔːməns $ pərˈfɔːr-/ BrE AmE noun
[ Word Family: noun : ↑ performance , ↑ performer ; verb : ↑ perform ; adjective : performing]
1 . [countable]
when someone performs a play or a piece of music
performance 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 . [uncountable and countable] 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 etc
performance of
the performance of his official duties
4 . [uncountable] 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) technology
5 . a performance British English spoken a process that takes a lot of unnecessary time and effort:
Shopping at the markets turned out to be quite a performance.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS
■ verbs
▪ give a performance
Samuel Jackson gives a terrific performance as Elijah.
▪ turn in/deliver a performance (=give a performance)
Both actors turn in great performances.
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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.
■ adjectives
▪ a fine/great performance
There 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 performance
Rogers 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
► Do not say ' have a performance ' or ' make a performance '. Say give a performance .
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meaning 2)
■ adjectives
▪ good
England needs to produce another good performance against France.
▪ strong
The performance of the retail sector continues to be strong.
▪ poor
Why is his performance in school so poor?
▪ disappointing
The country’s recent economic performance has been disappointing.
▪ lacklustre (=not good or impressive)
The team must improve on Saturday’s lacklustre performance.
▪ economic performance
Its economic performance has not matched that of other countries.
▪ financial performance
Our overall financial performance has improved.
■ verbs
▪ improve sb’s performance
These changes significantly improve the performance of the engine.
▪ produce a performance
Tiger Woods produced one of the best performances of his career.
▪ put in/up a (good/bad etc) performance
Liverpool put in a marvellous performance in the second half.
▪ assess sb’s performance (=judge how good or bad it is)
Banks assess the performance and prospects of firms before lending.
▪ monitor sb’s performance
The children's performance at school is continually monitored.
■ performance + NOUN
▪ performance 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 targets
Several train operators failed to meet the performance targets.