underperform

verb

un·​der·​per·​form ˌən-dər-pər-ˈfȯrm How to pronounce underperform (audio)
-pə-ˈfȯrm
underperformed; underperforming; underperforms

transitive verb

: to do worse than
… it believes the company will underperform other relatives covered by the firm …—Jim Milliot

intransitive verb

: to fail to do as well as expected
The stocks underperformed.
underperformance
ˌən-dər-pər-ˈfȯr-mən(t)s How to pronounce underperform (audio)
-pə-ˈfȯr-
noun
underperformer noun

Examples of underperform in a Sentence

The report shows which schools are underperforming.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But his focus has expanded to cracking down on underperforming cadres too. — Kanis Leung, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026 Nevertheless, Qualcomm has faced substantial transformation friction and financial pressure this year, with its stock price significantly underperforming the broader market. — CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026 Lowes Foods’ history in Charlotte Lowes Foods began pulling out of Charlotte in 2014, swapping locations with Harris Teeter and closing underperforming stores as part of a reinvestment strategy. — Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2026 Parents and taxpayers in Tennessee have sued over that state’s $150 million voucher program, while supporters argue that a growing school choice movement offers families a way out of underperforming schools. — Bilin Lin, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for underperform

Word History

First Known Use

1971, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of underperform was in 1971

Rhymes for underperform

See All Rhymes for underperform

Browse Nearby Words

underpeopled
underperform
underpick
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Cite this Entry

“Underperform.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underperform. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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