underperform
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb (Intransitive):
- To achieve results that are below a standard, expectation, or benchmark. This often refers to financial investments or assets that yield a lower return than the market average or a comparable index.
- To function or operate at a level below what is considered acceptable or potential.
Verb (Transitive):
- To perform (a task, role, or duty) in a manner that is below the expected standard.
- (In arts/entertainment) To stage or present (a play, musical piece, etc.) fewer times than its quality or potential would warrant.
Examples of Usage
Intransitive Verb:
- The new fund has continued to underperform since its launch.
- If a student underperforms on the exam, they may be offered extra tutoring.
- The company's sales underperformed in the European market last quarter.
Transitive Verb:
- Critics argue that modern theaters underperform many classic plays.
- The manager felt the team underperformed their basic duties during the crisis.
Advanced Usage
- "Underperform relative to": Used to specify the benchmark or standard that was not met.
- The stock underperformed relative to the S&P 500 index.
- Sector-Specific Jargon: In finance, an "underperforming asset" is one whose return is less than that of a relevant benchmark. In human resources, an "underperforming employee" is one not meeting job expectations.
Variants and Related Words
- Underperformance (n): The state or fact of underperforming.
- The underperformance of the engine was due to a faulty sensor.
- Underperformer (n): A person or thing that underperforms.
- The report identified several underperformers in the product portfolio.
Synonyms
- Underachieve: To perform below one's potential or capability.
- Lag (behind): To fail to keep pace with others or a standard.
- Trail: To be behind in performance or progress.
Antonyms
- Outperform: To perform better than.
- Exceed: To go beyond a limit or expectation.
- Overachieve: To perform better than expected, especially academically.
Related Phrases
- To deliver subpar results: A phrase meaning to produce outcomes that are below the average or expected quality.
- The investigation concluded that the contractor delivered subpar results.
Verb
- perform too rarely
- Her plays are underperformed, although they are very good
- perform less well or with less success than expected
- John consistently underachieves, although he is very able
- My stocks underperformed last year