specific performance

American  

noun

Law.

1. (especially in the sale of land) literal compliance with one's contractual promises pursuant to a judicial mandate.

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specific performance British  

noun

1. law a remedy awarded by a court requiring a person to fulfil obligations under a contract where damages are an insufficient remedy

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Etymology

Origin of specific performance

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

A seller who tries to walk away may face a different prospect—a suit for specific performance, where the court is asked to force the sale of the property to the buyer, Goldstein said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 6, 2026

Evercore strategist Julian Emanuel identified stocks that could rebound by screening for specific performance, valuation, and market capitalization criteria.

From Barron's • Dec. 22, 2025

The judge said specific performance could be available in a situation involving an actual breach or an anticipatory breach of the contract.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 12, 2025

The two men obviously came into the debate with some very specific performance strategies and they both did what they needed to do.

From Salon • Oct. 2, 2024

He had reference to a suit I had brought to enforce the specific performance of a contract.

From Abraham Lincoln, Volume 1 (of 2) The True Story Of A Great Life by Herndon, William H.