significant underperformance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "significant underperformance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to describe a level of performance that is notably below expectations or standards. Example: "The team's significant underperformance this quarter has raised concerns among the management."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Expect significant underperformance today.

The Guardian - Business

"If someone is adding a significant amount of innings from a previous season, history says those guys will have a breakdown or a significant underperformance the next year".

The New York Times - Sports

This morning's news... has given the beleaguered oil and gas sector a much needed shot in the arm after 18 months of significant underperformance.

The Guardian - Business

"As detailed in our presentation, the board's behavior is particularly disappointing given the company's significant underperformance due to poor management execution and a lack of engaged board oversight," Jesse Cohen, a portfolio manager at Elliott, said in the statement.

The New York Times

"Given its significant underperformance in 2011, we believe the product is as cheap to broader markets as it has been in a long time," Mr. Lippmann, whose portfolio is heavy with subprime mortgage securities, wrote in a recent letter to investors.

The New York Times

It went on, "Most disappointing, however, is that this significant underperformance has occurred despite strong end-market performance.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

"Our third-quarter results were negatively impacted by a significant impairment charge resulting from the substantial underperformance of Ben-Hur," MGM CEO Gary Barber was quoted as saying by Deadline.

The Guardian - Film

The agency cited Portugal's "significant budgetary underperformance in 2009″ and said the government's deficit last year had risen well above its September forecast of 6.5% of GDP, to 9.3%.

Forbes

Another significant aspect of underperformance is unprofessional behaviour, which is increasingly important for both medical students and practising doctors [ 6, 21].

BMC Medical Education

"I do not believe that diminished competence attributable solely to age is a significant factor in the underperformance of most poor-performing physicians," Dr. Henry Homburger, 64, professor of laboratory medicine at the Mayo Clinic, said by e-mail.

The New York Times

Significant demotivation, absenteeism, and underperformance typically plague the social service year.

Global Health Action

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "significant underperformance", quantify the underperformance if possible. For example, specify the percentage or amount by which the performance fell short of expectations to provide a clearer understanding of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "significant underperformance" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler terms like "didn't do well" or "performed poorly" are more appropriate in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "significant underperformance" functions as a noun phrase, where "significant" modifies the noun "underperformance". It describes a state or instance of performing below expectations to a notable degree. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in describing negative performance outcomes.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Significant underperformance" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a notable failure to meet expectations. Ludwig AI confirms that it is appropriate for expressing concern or criticism in neutral to professional contexts, such as news reports, business analyses, and scientific discussions. While "significant underperformance" is not overly frequent, and more common in News & Media, Science and Business, understanding its proper usage can enhance clarity in formal communications. When employing the phrase, quantify the underperformance if possible and avoid using it in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

major failure to achieve targets

Emphasizes a substantial failure in meeting specific goals or objectives.

substantial performance deficit

Highlights the gap between the actual performance and the expected or required level.

considerable failure to deliver

Focuses on not meeting delivery expectations, implying a responsibility to provide something.

marked performance shortfall

Indicates a clear and noticeable difference between the expected and actual performance.

notable deficiency in results

Points out a distinct lack or inadequacy in the obtained outcomes or results.

considerable underachievement

Highlights a failure to reach a level commensurate with potential or ability.

poor showing

A more informal way of expressing a lack of success or a disappointing performance.

major setback in productivity

Emphasizes a significant reduction or hindrance in the rate of output or efficiency.

striking inability to perform

Highlights a very noticeable lack of capacity or skill to execute tasks.

remarkable drop in efficiency

Focuses on a notable decline in the ability to avoid wasting materials, energy, efforts, money, and time in doing something or in producing a desired result.

FAQs

How can I use "significant underperformance" in a sentence?

You can use "significant underperformance" to describe a situation where something or someone performs considerably below expectations. For example: "The company experienced "significant underperformance" in the last quarter due to market changes."

What are some alternatives to "significant underperformance"?

Alternatives include "major failure to achieve targets", "substantial performance deficit", or "considerable underachievement", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "significant underperformance" or "major underperformance"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "significant underperformance" often implies a more nuanced or quantifiable degree of failure, while "major underperformance" suggests a more broad or impactful failure.

What causes "significant underperformance" in a business context?

"Significant underperformance" in business can be caused by various factors such as poor management, market changes, ineffective strategies, or lack of resources. Addressing these underlying issues is crucial for improving performance.