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 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.
Leslie's Pool Supply is closing 80 underperforming stores across the United States. Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 1 Mar. 2026 The iPhone maker underperformed its cohort last year, yet investors are hopeful that the tech giant’s foray into AI tied to its devices will revive the stock. Sarah Min, CNBC, 27 Feb. 2026 High interest rates and a wall of debt set to mature in the coming years also have some economists worried a wave of foreclosures could sweep through underperforming commercial properties. Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 26 Feb. 2026 The company cut about 7% of its corporate workforce, and plans to shutter about 300 underperforming stores across North America this and next year. Bloomberg, Oc Register, 26 Feb. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Underperform.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underperform. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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