is underperforming

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is underperforming" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a person, team, or entity that is not meeting expected performance levels or standards. Example: "The sales department is underperforming this quarter compared to last year's results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The analysis of data shows us where pupils are performing and not performing, which subjects are underperforming and therefore, where the school is underperforming.

The Guardian

Indonesia is underperforming.

The Economist

"Everybody is underperforming".

The Guardian

But clearly the country is "underperforming".

The New York Times - Books

Mr. Ryan is underperforming so far on that basis.

The New York Times

[Its brand] is underperforming relative to its assets.

The Guardian

Tide is underperforming its rivals in the liquid-detergent aisle.

The New York Times

Instead, it is underperforming even those modest commitments.

The Washington Post

It does, however, have one characteristic that HSBC tends go for: it is underperforming.

The Economist

I work in a high-minority, low-wealth district that is underperforming.

The New York Times

Perhaps Mr. Obama is underperforming in deeply blue states rather than deeply red ones?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is underperforming", clearly specify the benchmark or standard against which the subject is being compared. This provides context and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "is underperforming" without specifying why or how the subject is not meeting expectations. Provide specific examples or data to support your claim, rather than making a general statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is underperforming" functions as a predicate within a sentence, describing the state or condition of the subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts. It indicates that the subject is not meeting expectations or performing up to the required standard.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is underperforming" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate that something is not meeting expectations or achieving the desired results. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread application across diverse contexts, particularly in news, business, and scientific domains. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to provide context and specify the benchmark when using this phrase to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "is failing to meet expectations" or "is falling short of targets" can offer a more formal or specific tone, as needed. By understanding its function, purpose, and usage patterns, writers can effectively employ "is underperforming" to convey critical assessments with clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not performing well

Replaces "underperforming" with a more general phrase, focusing on the lack of positive performance.

is failing to meet expectations

Emphasizes the discrepancy between actual performance and anticipated outcomes.

is falling short of targets

Specifically highlights the failure to achieve defined goals or benchmarks.

is not up to par

Uses an idiomatic expression to indicate that the performance is below the required standard.

is lagging behind

Suggests a slower pace or lower level of achievement compared to others or to previous performance.

is deficient in performance

Highlights a lack or inadequacy in the level of performance.

is yielding unsatisfactory results

Focuses on the disappointing outcomes produced by the current performance.

is not delivering as expected

Emphasizes the failure to provide the anticipated level of output or achievement.

is proving inadequate

Indicates that the current performance is insufficient to meet the demands or requirements.

is operating below capacity

Suggests that the entity is not utilizing its full potential or capabilities.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "is underperforming" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "is failing to meet expectations" or "is yielding unsatisfactory results". These options offer a more professional and less direct assessment.

What are some synonyms for "is underperforming" that I can use in a business context?

In a business setting, you might use phrases such as "is falling short of targets", "is not delivering as expected", or "is operating below capacity" to convey a similar meaning with a professional tone.

How do I provide constructive criticism when something "is underperforming"?

When addressing underperformance, focus on specific areas for improvement and offer actionable steps. For instance, instead of saying "the team is underperforming", say "the team "is lagging behind" in Q3 sales, so we will implement new strategies to increase lead generation and improve conversion rates".

What's the difference between "is underperforming" and "is failing"?

"Is underperforming" suggests a relative deficiency compared to a specific benchmark or expectation, while "is failing" implies a complete lack of success or a critical breakdown. "Is failing" conveys a more severe situation than "is underperforming".