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

Starbucks may be closing 36 locations in Southern California as the chain looks to pare down its store count and shut underperforming coffee houses. — Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026

The stock is up 16% over the past month but has underperformed the broader market year-to-date. — Paulina Likos, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026

Grams said the affected stores were either underperforming or struggling to deliver a worthy experience for customers and employees. — Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 25 Sep. 2026

Even excellent content will underperform if the right people never encounter it. — Jehan Lalkaka, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 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