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.
But down in the pop field, Swift actually underperformed. Justin Curto, Vulture, 8 Nov. 2024 Asian equities were mixed but mostly lower this week as Pakistan, India, and Japan outperformed while Mainland China, India, and the Philippines underperformed. Brendan Ahern, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 Chevron’s stock is largely flat for the year, underperforming the S&P 500 energy sector which has gained more than 6%. Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 1 Nov. 2024 Harris underperforming with Black voters, but gaining with white voters Reflecting a defining trend of the 2024 election, the polls found large gender gaps, with Harris faring better among women and Trump with men. Joey Garrison, USA TODAY, 1 Nov. 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 24 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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