'non-performance-based' originates from the prefix 'non-' meaning 'not' and the phrase 'performance-based', where 'performance' refers to the act of performing and 'based' indicates foundation or reliance.

'non-performance-based' evolved from the combination of 'non-' and 'performance-based', a term used in business and education to describe systems or rewards not tied to performance metrics.

Initially, it meant 'not based on performance', and this meaning has remained consistent in modern usage.