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

That said, its stock has underperformed the market and top-line growth is modest. —Diane Brady, Fortune, 6 Feb. 2026

Those with 50 or more have collectively outperformed xG by 290 goals, while those with fewer than 50 have underperformed it by 205. —Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 5 Feb. 2026

Brands plans to close 250 underperforming Pizza Hut locations in the first half of 2026. —C. A. Bridges, Oklahoman, 5 Feb. 2026

With the local economy still sluggish and other revenue streams underperforming, city officials argue the transient occupancy tax from 10% to 12% would add $10 million in annual recurring revenue without negatively impacting the hospitality industry. —Devan Patel, Mercury News, 4 Feb. 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