terrible performance

[ˈterəbəl pərˈfɔːrməns]
noun phrasepl: terrible performances
desempenho terrível
1. an extremely poor, inadequate, or unsatisfactory display of ability, skill, or quality in any activity
The actor gave a terrible performance in the film, forgetting his lines repeatedly.
O ator teve um desempenho terrível no filme, esquecendo suas falas repetidamente.
2. a very bad execution or presentation of a task, work, or show
The team's terrible performance cost them the championship.
O desempenho terrível do time lhes custou o campeonato.
3. substandard or disappointing behavior or results
Her terrible performance on the exam resulted in a failing grade.
Seu desempenho terrível no exame resultou em uma nota reprovadora.
Both English and Brazilian Portuguese use this phrase frequently in entertainment, sports, and professional contexts. In Brazil, it's common to hear 'desempenho' used in business evaluations and academic settings. The phrase carries a distinctly negative connotation and is used to express disappointment or failure. In NYC and American English, more colloquial alternatives like 'bomb' or 'tank' are often preferred in casual speech.
NYC Slang
a total bomb / a complete disaster / wack performance
Synonyms / Sinônimos
poor performanceawful performanceabysmal performancedreadful performancemediocre performancesubpar performancelackluster performance
Antonyms / Antônimos
excellent performanceoutstanding performancestellar performancesuperb performancebrilliant performance

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
desempenho terrível
most common and standard usage across Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
desempenho horrível / péssimo desempenho
alternative expressions commonly used in informal speech
São Paulo
desempenho ruim demais / performance péssima
business and entertainment contexts often use 'performance' in English
Portugal
desempenho terrível / atuação péssima
similar to Brazilian, though 'atuação' is more common for theatrical contexts

Related Words

performperformerperformance reviewunderperformfailure

Related Idioms & Phrases

bomb on stage
fall flat on one's face
flop
tank
drop the ball
choke under pressure
miss the mark
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