I underperformed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I underperformed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a situation where you did not meet expectations or achieve the desired results, often in a professional or academic context. Example: "After reviewing my presentation, I realized that I underperformed and could have prepared more thoroughly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

I underperformed at work.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I was injured after my first cap and when I played again I underperformed," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

Most fund managers, including Vanguard's actively managed Windsor I, underperformed by 500 basis points.

Forbes

"Last year I underperformed and it is special to win here after the disappointment of last year and it makes up for it a little".

BBC

My peak annual salary was $120,000 and my lowest, three times, was zero for many months, reduced each time when I felt I underperformed.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"If this means I'll underperform, I'll underperform.

Forbes

I ignore the inkling that I have "underperformed".

Independent

We have so much data taken from us, so somebody at some point should have told me if I was underperforming and I never, ever got that". When asked why she thought she dropped, Varnish said: "Probably for questioning things and because I did so in the media with a team-mate.

BBC

In two experiments, males were either given false feedback that threatened their masculinity (i.e., underperforming on a masculinity test in Study 1, being physically weak in Study 2) or told they were average for their gender (control).

Stanford University

I chronically underperformed when it came to maintaining the family photo albums.

HuffPost

"I'm very securely in the middle," she added, "but I heard somebody say I'm underperforming".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I underperformed", follow it with an explanation or plan for improvement to show accountability and a commitment to doing better.

Common error

While "I underperformed" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or harsh in casual conversation. In informal settings, consider using softer phrases like "I didn't do so well" or "I could have done better".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I underperformed" functions as a self-assessment statement, directly acknowledging a failure to meet expected standards or levels of performance. As seen in the examples Ludwig provides, this phrase is commonly used when reflecting on personal performance in professional or academic contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Sport

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I underperformed" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to acknowledge a failure to meet expectations. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in professional or academic environments, where direct self-assessment is needed. Alternatives such as "I didn't meet expectations" or "I fell short" can be used for slight variations in meaning. While "I underperformed" is commonly used, avoid overusing it in informal settings where it might sound too formal. This expression is most effective when followed by an explanation or a plan for improvement, demonstrating responsibility and a commitment to future success.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I didn't meet expectations

This alternative is a more general way of saying you failed to achieve what was expected.

I fell short of the mark

This alternative emphasizes a failure to reach a specific standard or goal.

I didn't live up to my potential

This alternative focuses on not achieving the level of performance you were capable of.

I performed below par

This alternative uses a golfing metaphor to indicate a substandard performance.

I didn't measure up

This alternative suggests a failure to meet a required standard or level.

I failed to deliver

This alternative emphasizes a failure to produce the expected results or outcomes.

My performance was subpar

This alternative uses "subpar" to describe a performance that is below the average or expected level.

I didn't do as well as I should have

This alternative expresses a failure to perform at the expected or desired level.

I underachieved

This alternative is a more concise way of saying you did not achieve as much as you could have.

I was not up to scratch

This alternative suggests that the quality or standard of your work was not good enough.

FAQs

How can I use "I underperformed" in a sentence?

You can use "I underperformed" to describe a situation where you did not meet expectations. For example, "After reviewing the quarterly reports, I realized "I underperformed" in sales this past quarter".

What are some alternatives to saying "I underperformed"?

You can use alternatives like "I didn't meet expectations", "I fell short", or "I didn't live up to my potential" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "I underperformed" or "I didn't perform well"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "I underperformed" is more direct and concise. "I didn't perform well" is a more general statement, while "I underperformed" implies a specific expectation was not met. Consider using the most appropriate phrase to express the specific meaning. If the problem is about meet expectations use "I underperformed" but if you just had a bad day use "I didn't perform well".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "I underperformed"?

It is appropriate to use "I underperformed" in formal settings such as performance reviews, self-assessments, or professional reports where a direct and clear acknowledgment of not meeting expectations is required.