underperform

verb

un·​der·​per·​form ˌən-dər-pər-ˈfȯrm 

-pə-ˈfȯrm

underperformed; underperforming; underperforms

transitive verb

: to do worse than

intransitive verb

: to fail to do as well as expected

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

The model was based in large part on the Dallas Independent School District’s Accelerating Campus Excellence model, which floods underperforming campuses with extra resources and offers extra pay to attract top-tier teachers to come work at those schools. —Silas Allen, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Sep. 2025

The 49ers could also be on the lookout for another Bryce Huff, who underperformed in an ill-fitting scheme in Philadelphia and was acquired for a mid-round draft pick. —Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 22 Sep. 2025

The report doesn’t shy away from including explicit comments about brands that are underperforming, such as Panerai, or have yet to live up to high expectations. —Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 22 Sep. 2025

Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi underperforms again, throwing a pair of interceptions, and the Roadrunners score twice late to steal a late-night victory in Fort Collins. —Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 19 Sep. 2025

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