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
… 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 How to pronounce underperform (audio)
-pə-ˈfȯr-
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.
Parents and taxpayers in Tennessee have sued over that state’s $150 million voucher program, while supporters argue that a growing school choice movement offers families a way out of underperforming schools. — Bilin Lin, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2026 Still, Netflix’s recent movies have underperformed, analysts have said. — Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026 The market has significantly underperformed its European peers in recent years as political volatility has mounted — despite only around 15% of its revenues being generated domestically — with banks under particular pressure. — Jenni Reid, CNBC, 19 Oct. 2026 Recently, her reputation took a hit when Netflix underperformed at the Emmys. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026 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

Rhymes for underperform

See All Rhymes for underperform

Browse Nearby Words

underpeopled
underperform
underpick
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Cite this Entry

“Underperform.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underperform. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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