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.
Both were part of a group that massively underperformed a year ago, allowing 20 sacks on the season and nearly five-and-a-half tackles for loss per game. — Noah White, Miami Herald, 18 Aug. 2026 Home video used to be the safety net for a movie that underperformed theatrically. — Olivia Shalhoup, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 Walmart shares have added about 3% in 2026, underperforming the S & P 500 over that timeframe. — Alex Harring, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026 Beyond concerns about Hong's old tweets, however, critics have suggested the campaign underperformed with key voting blocs and made questionable decisions, such as dedicating $150,200 to online ads without running a single TV broadcast spot. — Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 16 Aug. 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 21 Aug. 2026.

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