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

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

With a 47-game section winning streak, they started the season being the underdog after going 0-4 in nonleague games against Southern Section opponents.

From Los Angeles Times

Canny coaches, blockbuster talent and a cherished underdog status give the tourists a puncher's chance at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on Saturday.

From BBC

There’s no bigger underdog than 10-0 Northview going against 20-time Southern Section champion Long Beach Poly in the opening round of the Division 4 playoffs.

From Los Angeles Times

Would Kamala Harris, a self-proclaimed “daughter of Oakland” who spent part of her childhood in Berkeley and launched her political career with an underdog triumph in the 2003 race for San Francisco District Attorney, win the highest office in the land?

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dark horse
• longshot