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

intransitive verb

: to fail to do as well as expected
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.
That’s what happens when one underperforming team meets another. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2025 Weintraub noted that a new original movie, Elio, from Pixar underperformed at the box office recently and that type of outcome leads to fewer original projects. Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 26 June 2025 And an even more dangerous discovery shows these high performers are often less engaged than their underperforming colleagues, creating a dangerous cycle that threatens the entire workforce. Mark Murphy, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025 While shifts in consumer shopping behavior and lower demand can cause stores to close, corporations often choose to shutter underperforming locations. Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 June 2025 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 2 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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