Underperformer: meaning, definitions and examples

This term can be used in both professional and educational settings to describe someone who performs below expectations.

• John is considered an underperformer because he consistently misses his sales targets

Similar to 'low achiever,' but can be used in both academic and professional settings. Often implies that the person has potential but is not living up to it.

• Despite his talent, Mark is an underachiever because he lacks motivation and effort

Used informally, often with a more negative connotation, to describe someone who is lazy and avoids work or responsibilities.

• He was known as a slacker in the office, always finding excuses to avoid his tasks

Often used in a business or technological context to describe entities slow in adopting new changes or innovations. It has a mildly negative connotation.

• In the rapidly evolving tech industry, being a laggard can mean losing out on significant market opportunities

Typically used in educational settings to refer to students who do not attain high grades or perform well academically.

• Teachers often spend extra time with low achievers to help them understand the material better