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

Sacramento students are underperforming in English language arts and mathematics assessments compared to their peers across the state, according to new data released by the California Department of Education. —Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 15 Oct. 2025

When someone consistently underperforms, the resulting discomfort or fear of job loss doesn’t automatically mean their leader is toxic. —Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025

The analyst earlier this month downgraded Apple to underperform, noting overly lofty expectations for the company’s next iPhone . —Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2025

Finding first basemen, Preller has mostly underperformed the bright results of many of the franchise’s other team-builders. —Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Oct. 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