underperform

[ uhn-der-per-fawrm ]

verb (used with or without object)

1. to perform less well than (another of its kind, a general average, etc.) or less well than expected:

   Surprisingly, the stock has underperformed the market indexes all year. Several of our best players consistently underperform.

Other Words From

• under·per·formance noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of underperform¹

under- + perform

Example Sentences

The latest film, "Transformers One," was released earlier this fall, and was being considered for the first of a trilogy, although it had underperformed at the box office due to competition.

From Salon

A few liberals, in the hours after the election, indulged conspiratorial explanations for why Harris underperformed compared to Biden’s 2020 victory, but none with any stature and certainly none who hold higher elected office.

From Salon

But she underperformed with these key voting blocs.

From BBC

Back in January, TGI Fridays closed 36 “underperforming” locations in 12 states and has since continued shutting down more restaurants across the nation.

From Salon

The fast-casual burger spot Shake Shack closed nine underperforming restaurants in September, including five in the Los Angeles area.

From Los Angeles Times