underdog

[ uhn-der-dawg, -dog ]

noun

1. a person who is expected to lose in a contest or conflict.
2. a victim of social or political injustice:

   The underdogs were beginning to organize their protests.

underdog

/ ˈʌndəˌdɒɡ /

noun

1. the competitor least likely to win a fight or contest
2. a person in adversity or in a position of inferiority

Word History and Origins

Origin of underdog¹

1875–80, Americanism; under- + dog ( def )

Example Sentences

“There’s a hunger and drive that comes from all of us, from at one point, being the underdog,” Fiske said.

From Los Angeles Times

“We were underdogs coming from America playing against these top-tier European teams,” Friedman said.

From Los Angeles Times

NFL Week 11 picks: The Chiefs keep finding ways to win even when they don’t play their best, yet at 9-0 they are the underdogs against the Buffalo Bills.

From Los Angeles Times

As in many such shows — “Abbott Elementary,” characterized as the savior of network comedy, to name but one — the workplace at hand is something of an underdog.

From Los Angeles Times

They will again be underdogs against the Springboks, yet there is still every chance England can push them close.

From BBC

Related Words

• dark horse
• longshot