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.
Overall, Gap reported mixed results for its fiscal second quarter, beating analysts’ estimates for earnings per share but underperforming revenue expectations. — Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026 However, when a once-promising QB class underperformed, the Steelers took a chance in the middle rounds. — Mike Defabo, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Modified liquor taxes and an increase to the checkout bag tax are also projected to underperform, according to the mayor. — A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 In an interview ahead of the school year, HCPSS superintendent Bill Barnes reiterated the school district's focus on supporting students who have historically underperformed, like students with disabilities and multi-language learners. — Dennis Valera, CBS News, 24 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 29 Aug. 2026.

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