Performance vs. Ability

Performance vs. Ability — Is There a Difference?
ADVERTISEMENT

Difference Between Performance and Ability

Performancenoun

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

the performance of an undertaking or a duty

Abilitynoun

(obsolete) Suitableness.

Performancenoun

That 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.

Abilitynoun

(uncountable) The quality or state of being able; capacity to do or of doing something; having the necessary power.

This phone has the ability to have its software upgraded wirelessly.This wood has the ability to fight off insects, fungus, and mold for a considerable time.

Performancenoun

(arts) A live show or concert.

Abilitynoun

The legal wherewithal to act.

ADVERTISEMENT

Performancenoun

The 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.

Abilitynoun

Physical power.

Performancenoun

a dramatic or musical entertainment;

they listened to ten different performancesthe play ran for 100 performancesthe frequent performances of the symphony testify to its popularity

Abilitynoun

(archaic) Financial ability.

Performancenoun

the act of performing; of doing something successfully; using knowledge as distinguished from merely possessing it;

they criticised his performance as mayorexperience generally improves performance

Abilitynoun

(uncountable) A unique power of the mind; a faculty.

ADVERTISEMENT

Performancenoun

the act of presenting a play or a piece of music or other entertainment;

we congratulated him on his performance at the rehearsalan inspired performance of Mozart's C minor concerto

Abilitynoun

(countable) A skill or competence in doing; mental power; talent; aptitude.

They are persons of ability, who will go far in life.She has an uncanny ability to defuse conflict.

Performancenoun

process or manner of functioning or operating;

the power of its engine determine its operationthe plane's operation in high windsthey compared the cooking performance of each oventhe jet's performance conformed to high standards

Abilitynoun

the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment

Performancenoun

any recognized accomplishment;

they admired his performance under stresswhen Roger Maris powered four home runs in one game his performance merits awe

Abilitynoun

possession of the qualities (especially mental qualities) required to do something or get something done;

danger heightened his powers of discrimination