Definition

Adjective: Modified or designed to give superior performance, efficiency, or capability, especially in comparison to standard versions. It often describes machines, systems, or equipment.

Usage

The adjective "high-performance" is used attributively, meaning it almost always comes before a noun to describe it. It indicates that the noun it modifies operates at a very high level of effectiveness, speed, or output.

Examples

• The company invested in high-performance computing systems to handle complex data analysis.
• This software requires a high-performance graphics card to run smoothly.
• Athletes follow strict diets and training to maintain their high-performance levels.

Advanced Usage

• "High-performance" as a concept: The term can be used more abstractly to describe a culture or mindset focused on exceptional results.
  • The team fostered a high-performance culture that valued innovation and speed.
• Hyphenation Note: "High-performance" is typically hyphenated when it functions as a compound adjective before a noun (e.g., a high-performance engine). When not directly modifying a noun, the hyphen may sometimes be omitted in more informal contexts, but hyphenation is standard.

Variants and Related Words

• High-performer (noun): A person or thing that achieves superior results.
  • She is a recognized high-performer in the sales department.
• Performance (noun): The act or process of carrying out a task or function. This is the root noun from which "high-performance" is derived.

Synonyms

• High-efficiency: Operating with minimal waste of energy or effort.
• Top-tier: Of the highest quality or rank.
• State-of-the-art: Incorporating the newest ideas and most up-to-date features.

Antonyms

• Low-performance: Having poor or inferior capability.
• Standard: Of the usual or ordinary type, not specialized or enhanced.
• Inefficient: Not achieving maximum productivity; wasting resources.

Related Phrases

• High-performance computing (HPC): The use of supercomputers and parallel processing techniques to solve complex computational problems.
• High-performance work system: An organizational system designed to maximize employee skills, commitment, and productivity.

Adjective

1. modified to give superior performance
   • a high-performance car