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

It was understood that no one should take another's word for anything, and consequently that no money should pass until specific performance of all the required conditions.

From Frenzied Finance Vol. 1: The Crime of Amalgamated by Lawson, Thomas William