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.
Key News Asian equities ended a mixed week as Mainland China and Hong Kong underperformed, as the former posted a small 1% loss, and the latter posted a small gain for the week. Brendan Ahern, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024 Riot Platforms is down more than 16% this year, while CleanSpark has rallied 17.5% but has still underperformed the broader market. Samantha Subin, CNBC, 12 Dec. 2024 The plan includes closing 150 underperforming stores while upgrading 350 others. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024 Talking heads include former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson, famous for dishing out the ‘hairdryer’ treatment, a fearsome dressing down of underperforming players. Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 10 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near underperform

Cite this Entry

“Underperform.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underperform. Accessed 18 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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