Search Dictionary
Definition of underperform

underperform

/ˌʌndər pərˈfɔːrm/
un · der · per · form
Adjective:underperforming
•
Past Simple:underperformed
•
Past Participle:underperformed
•
Present Participle:underperforming
JUMP TO:

underperform Lexical Profile

underperform Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To perform less well than expected, required, or capable of doing.

Example

"Several students tended to underperform on standardized tests despite their strong classroom grades."

2

To yield a lower financial return or less favorable result than a rival, benchmark, or market index.

Example

"The retail sector continued to underperform the broader stock market throughout the third quarter."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for underperform
Antonyms
View all antonyms for underperform

• Rhymes for underperform

• Nearby Words

underpass
underpay
underpayment
underperform
underperformance
underperformer
underpin

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Underperform. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/underperform
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.