# performative

/pɝˈfɔɹmətɪv/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/performative
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

done mainly to impress other people, not because you really mean it. You use it for actions that look good but feel empty.

For teachers: Describing behaviour or speech done mainly to be seen and approved by others rather than from genuine belief or intent. In philosophy of language, also describes utterances that perform an action simply by being spoken, such as promising, naming, or declaring.

## Examples

- His apology feels performative and not truly sorry.
- She posts about charity work every day, but her friends say her activism is purely performative.
- The committee's concern for reform struck critics as performative, a carefully staged display of virtue that left underlying structures untouched.

## Synonyms

insincere, hollow, artificial, fake

## Antonyms

sincere, genuine, authentic, heartfelt

## Usage notes

- Typically placed before the noun it modifies; often pairs with nouns like activism, apology, or outrage.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.