How to Pronounce Performance

To pronounce "performance", say PERF-orm-anc-e — 4 syllables, IPA /pɝˈfɔɹməns/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

performance

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

If an accent sounds the same, your device is missing that voice — it falls back to the closest one.

Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

Practice: Record & Compare

Record yourself saying performance, then compare with the target. Your audio stays on this device — nothing is uploaded.

4

Syllables

11

Letters

/pɝˈfɔɹməns/

🇺🇸 IPA (US)

/pəfˈɔːməns/

🇬🇧 IPA (UK)

💡 Tip for remembering “performance”

"performance" has 4 syllables: perf-orm-anc-e. It rhymes with conformance and underperformance, if that helps it stick.

What does performance mean?

noun

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

    “the performance of an undertaking or a duty”

  2. 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.

Hear “performance” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with performance

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

conformanceunderperformanceoutperformance

Related words

doingoperationfunctioningexecutionshowshowingaction

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "performance"?▾

"Performance" has 4 syllables: perf · orm · anc · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "performance"?▾

The IPA transcription of "performance" is /pɝˈfɔɹməns/.

What does "performance" mean?▾

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

Want the definition, translations into 8 languages, and read-aloud for full sentences?

Open “performance” in the full dictionary →