underperformance

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "underperformance" is correct and usable in written English.
This word is usually used to refer to a situation where something or someone is performing at a lower level or worse than expected or desired. Example sentence: The CEO expressed her dissatisfaction with the team's underperformance this quarter.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These shares may be overpriced, so making underperformance more likely; but if the fund does underperform, it is a lot less embarrassing to meet sponsors with a fistful of Microsoft shares than with shares in unknown firms.Psychology may explain some losers.

The Economist

From claims he is a "cancer" in the dressing room to his persistent underperformance with the bat, this tour has been a shrieking, knives-out disaster for Watto.

The Guardian - Sport

This will allow us to address underperformance and safeguarding in English schools long before they make their way to Whitehall.

The Guardian - Opinion

They have a 58p price target on ITV, arguing it offers an "attractive valuation case" and that underperformance by the shares provides buying opportunity.

The Guardian - Business

This good news is likely to be reflected in the share price after a period of underperformance.

The Guardian - Business

Sheffield is a strikingly friendly city: you don't feel like a little fish in an inconceivably big pond, like so many of my friends who went to university in London did, and that is perhaps a contributing factor towards the underperformance of London universities in this survey.

The Guardian - Opinion

Analyst Andrew Baum has moved his recommendation from underweight to equal weight with a £13.20 price target, following a 12% underperformance by the company so far this year compared to the rest of the European pharmaceutical sector.

The Guardian - Business

Seeking to explain the UK's underperformance further, it adds: Weak export performance and productivity could be driven by infrastructure weaknesses and difficult access to bank finance, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), holding back the emergence of new firms and high-skilled jobs".

The Guardian - Business

Some believe it is the first step in what will be a radical shake-up of the university monitoring process, prompted by the underperformance of some small private providers and further education colleges.

The Guardian

Yellen may talk about the slack jobs report of earlier this month, the lower (6.6%) unemployment rate, the purported underperformance of the stock market in 2014, the Fed's plan for its asset purchases program or any number of other topics.

The Guardian - Business

In addition, we believe Tesco's underperformance in the UK restricts Morrison's future growth prospects.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "underperformance" judiciously in formal reports. Provide a balanced perspective by also highlighting any contributing factors or potential solutions.

Common error

Avoid attributing "underperformance" to a single cause without thorough investigation. Consider a range of factors, including systemic issues, resource limitations, and individual skill gaps.

Linguistic Context

The term "underperformance" primarily functions as a noun, denoting the state or quality of performing below expectations or standards. Ludwig examples demonstrate it's often used to describe a situation or condition, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "underperformance" is a noun that describes the state of not meeting expectations, commonly found in news, business, and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its proper grammatical usage. The term carries a neutral to professional tone and serves the purpose of assessing and explaining situations where results are lacking. Alternative phrases include "subpar performance" and "poor showing". When using the term, specificity is crucial, and it's important to avoid overgeneralizing the causes. Analyzing example sentences provided by Ludwig, it is clear this word is often used in reporting or assessment scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Falling short of expectations

Explicitly states that the performance did not meet the anticipated standards.

Subpar performance

Replaces "underperformance" with a more direct adjective-noun combination to describe the quality of the performance.

Inadequate results

Emphasizes that the outcomes are not sufficient or satisfactory.

Poor showing

Offers a less formal way to express "underperformance", often used in contexts like sports or competitions.

Poor execution

Highlights deficiencies in how a plan or task was carried out, leading to "underperformance".

Failure to thrive

Emphasizes a lack of growth or development, applicable in contexts like business or personal development.

Lagging behind

Indicates a slower pace or progress compared to others or to a set target.

Deficient output

Highlights a shortfall in production or results, often used in business or manufacturing contexts.

Shortcomings

Focuses on the specific weaknesses or flaws that contribute to "underperformance".

Non-achievement

Emphasizes the lack of accomplishment or attainment of desired goals.

FAQs

How do you address "underperformance" in a professional setting?

Begin by clearly defining expectations and providing specific feedback. Offer support and resources to help improve performance, and document all steps taken. Consider alternatives like "performance improvement plan" if the issue persists.

What are some common causes of "underperformance" in the workplace?

Common causes include lack of training, unclear expectations, poor management, inadequate resources, and personal issues. Identifying the root cause is essential for implementing effective solutions.

How can I prevent "underperformance" in my team?

Set clear goals and expectations, provide regular feedback, offer training and development opportunities, foster a supportive work environment, and address issues promptly. Promote alternatives like "proactive performance management".

What's the difference between "underperformance" and "poor performance"?

"Underperformance" implies falling short of expected standards or potential, while "poor performance" is a more general term for inadequate or substandard work. The terms are often used interchangeably, but "underperformance" can suggest a gap between capability and actual output.