underperform
verb
un·der·per·form
ˌən-dər-pər-ˈfȯrm 
-pə-ˈfȯrm
underperformed; underperforming; underperforms
: to do worse than
: to fail to do as well as expected
underperformer
noun
Examples of underperform in a Sentence
The report shows which schools are underperforming.
Recent Examples on the Web
Others have been hit by underperforming industries, tariff concerns and a decrease in consumer spending.
—
Gigi Zamora, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
In January 2025, Robinson and Vasquez — who was then competing for San Jose State — discussed over text message that Robinson planned to underperform in several statistical categories during one regular-season game.
—Jill Martin, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
The electric system is underperforming because utilities and energy companies don’t get rewarded for making the existing system operate more efficiently or adopting new technologies that could render outdated systems obsolete.
—Brian Deese, Foreign Affairs, 9 Sep. 2025
Starbucks is also reevaluating its North American store portfolio to ensure its coffeehouses are in the right locations and address underperforming stores.
—Paulina Likos, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underperform
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.
Gigi Zamora, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
In January 2025, Robinson and Vasquez — who was then competing for San Jose State — discussed over text message that Robinson planned to underperform in several statistical categories during one regular-season game.
—Jill Martin, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025
The electric system is underperforming because utilities and energy companies don’t get rewarded for making the existing system operate more efficiently or adopting new technologies that could render outdated systems obsolete.
—Brian Deese, Foreign Affairs, 9 Sep. 2025
Starbucks is also reevaluating its North American store portfolio to ensure its coffeehouses are in the right locations and address underperforming stores.
—Paulina Likos, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for underperform
Cite this Entry
“Underperform.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underperform. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share