underperform

verb

un·​der·​per·​form ˌən-dər-pər-ˈfȯrm 

-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 

-pə-ˈfȯr-

noun

underperformer noun

Examples of underperform in a Sentence

The report shows which schools are underperforming.

Recent Examples on the Web

Critics have praised the film as a commercial comeback following a series of underperforming releases. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 Jan. 2026

Aside from the defensive woes, this team lacks leadership with Jarrod Bowen underperforming in his role. —Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026

This performance is hiding the vast number of brands that are underperforming and struggling. —Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 5 Jan. 2026

In 2024, Lawrence then struggled to contain his frustration as the defense underperformed, with players like corner Deonte Banks not putting 100% effort on the field. —Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 2 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1971, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for underperform

• cuneiform
• iodoform
• nonuniform
• brainstorm
• conform
• deform
• firestorm
• hailstorm
• inform
• landform
• lukewarm
• perform