Meaning & use
non-performance
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Meanings
noununcountablelegalformal
A failure to do what a contract, duty, or promise requires.
Grammar: Usually uncountable and used with 'of': non-performance of a contract. It does not take 'a' in most uses.
Patterns
- non-performance of a contract
- non-performance of a duty
- liable for non-performance
The supplier was sued for non-performance of the contract.
Non-performance of these duties may lead to dismissal.
The clause allows the buyer to cancel the order in case of non-performance.
noununcountableformal
A failure to appear or take part in an event, especially a performance.
Grammar: Used about shows, concerts, or duties; often countable in everyday speech as 'a non-performance' when it means one specific occasion.
Patterns
- non-performance by an artist
- cancel something after non-performance
The orchestra apologized for the non-performance of the scheduled concert.
Tickets were refunded because of the singer's non-performance.
Common combinations
- non-performance of a contract
- Non-performance of a contract can result in legal action.
- liable for non-performance
- The company is liable for non-performance under clause seven.
- a claim of non-performance
- The buyer filed a claim of non-performance against the builder.
- in case of non-performance
- In case of non-performance, the deposit is returned.
- non-performance of duties
- Repeated non-performance of duties is grounds for termination.
Synonyms and how they differ
- breach
- Breach is the legal term for breaking a contract or rule, and it is more common in court language; non-performance simply describes the failure to carry something out.
- default
- Default is used especially for failing to pay money owed; non-performance is broader and covers any failure to do what was agreed.
- failure
- Failure is the everyday word; non-performance sounds formal and is typical of contracts and official reports.
Opposites
Word family
- perform verb
- To carry out a task, duty, or agreed action.
- performance noun
- The act of doing a task or of presenting a show.
- non-performing adjective
- Not doing what is required, as in a non-performing loan.
Commonly confused: non-performance or nonperformance?
non-performance vs nonperformance
This is simply the same word written without a hyphen; both spellings are used, but the hyphenated form is more common in contracts.
Practice
Which sentence uses non-performance most naturally?
Choose one answer.
Non-performance means a failure to perform or take part, so a band not appearing fits. Option 1 is wrong because 'excellent' suggests a successful performance, and option 3 confuses the word with speed or efficiency.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “non-performance”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.