a slow performance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slow performance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event, such as a play, concert, or any other type of performance that is characterized by a lack of speed or energy. Example: "The audience was disappointed by a slow performance that failed to engage them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Mr. Morris describes Republicans pleased by the president's policies as "smiling like Wagnerites after a slow performance of 'Siegfried.' " The Moroccan bandit Raisuli, whose kidnapping of a putative American nearly set off an international crisis, is said by his captive to be "every inch a man of daring deeds".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

In a research note to clients, Drewery cut his rating on Martha to "hold" from "buy," saying that ad sales for its magazine arm look soft for the short-term, while the homemaking conglomerate forecasts a slower performance in 2001.

Forbes

Whilst another study found that there were no significant differences between medicated and unmedicated FEM patients in reaction time, discriminability and bias for the response inhibition task, one study reported that increased daily dosage of antipsychotic medication was significantly correlated with a slower performance on grooved pegboard (p = 0.01).

International Journal of Bipolar Disorders

Patients showed a slower performance than controls (p<0.0001).

Plosone

If necessary, scales will be inverted, e.g., in the case of reaction times where higher scores reflect a slower performance.

BMC Infectious Diseases

It is a still, slow performance of almost unbearable intensity in a production that's impossible to shake off afterwards.

The Guardian

Now Mr. Sagawa thinks Cisco investors might be in for a stretch of slow performance.

The New York Times

It still happens: A user, frustrated by the slow performance of an Internet service provider link or the constant exclusion of specific types of files, finds a way to turn off the firewall on his remote PC or even at a branch office.

Forbes

Secondly, the additional code required by Cinfony to implement a standard API may slow performance further.

Chemistry Central Journal

Does this not indicate that you somehow indirectly support the network of human trafficking with your discriminatory and slow performance?" A representative for UNHCR in Ankara could not be reached on Friday.

Vice

It's quite a step up from the slow performance of the fanless Core-M chip used in the Lenovo Yoga 3 and Apple's latest MacBook.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a performance, be specific about what made it slow. Was it the pacing, the energy, or the execution? Providing details will make your critique more insightful.

Common error

Don't just say "the performance was slow". Instead, pinpoint which aspects lacked dynamism or momentum. This provides constructive feedback and avoids generalizations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slow performance" functions primarily as a descriptive term, modifying the noun "performance" with the adjective "slow". It indicates a quality or characteristic of the performance, specifying its pace or tempo.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a slow performance" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something lacking speed or energy. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While generally negative, implying a deficiency, it can be neutral if the slowness is intentional. It appears frequently in contexts such as news, science, and technology, highlighting its broad applicability. Alternatives like "sluggish rendition" or "lackluster showing" offer nuanced ways to convey a similar meaning. When using the phrase, be specific about what aspect of the performance was slow to provide insightful feedback.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sluggish rendition

Replaces "performance" with "rendition" and "slow" with "sluggish" emphasizing lack of energy.

a lackluster showing

Substitutes "performance" with "showing" and "slow" with "lackluster", suggesting a lack of enthusiasm and impressiveness.

an underwhelming presentation

Replaces "performance" with "presentation" and "slow" with "underwhelming" indicating a failure to impress or excite.

a tedious display

Changes "performance" to "display" and "slow" to "tedious", highlighting the boring and monotonous nature of the performance.

a drawn-out spectacle

Replaces "performance" with "spectacle" and "slow" with "drawn-out", focusing on the excessive length and lack of pace.

a deliberate pace

Uses "deliberate" instead of "slow", suggesting the pace might be intentional rather than a flaw.

a measured tempo

Replaces "slow" with "measured" and "performance" with "tempo", often used in musical contexts.

a gradual unfolding

Suggests the performance is slow due to a deliberate, step-by-step revealing of something.

a time-consuming act

Focuses on the duration and the time needed to complete the act, making it "time-consuming".

a protracted event

Highlights the extended length of the event, using "protracted" to denote its slowness.

FAQs

What does "a slow performance" mean?

The phrase "a slow performance" describes an event, such as a play, concert, or software execution, that lacks speed, energy, or efficiency. It suggests a lack of dynamism or momentum.

What can I say instead of "a slow performance"?

You can use alternatives like "a sluggish rendition", "a lackluster showing", or "an underwhelming presentation" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a slow performance"?

It's appropriate when you want to describe something that lacks speed, energy, or efficiency. It can apply to artistic performances, sports, computer systems, or any process where speed is a factor.

Is "a slow performance" negative?

Generally, yes. It usually implies a deficiency or disappointment. However, it could be neutral if the slowness is intentional for artistic effect, such as "a deliberate pace".