underdog
noun
un·der·dog
ˈən-dər-ˌdȯg 
1
: a loser or predicted loser in a struggle or contest
2
: a victim of injustice or persecution
Examples of underdog in a Sentence
I always root for the underdog instead of the favorite.
As a lawyer, she consistently represented the underdog.
Recent Examples on the Web
For a long time Lyft has been the underdog, with the smaller market share and a presence in fewer countries.
—
Alana Semuels, TIME, 28 Apr. 2024
But in a way, rock music has always been underground and the underdog, as far as what goes on in the pop world.
—Eric Renner Brown, Billboard, 24 Apr. 2024
In comedy, a form built on underdog relatability and the cathartic pleasures of both self-deprecation and punching up, being gorgeous can be a professional liability.
—Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 23 Apr. 2024
Everyone loves a good underdog story, a redemption arc, and a hero who deserves more limelight.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 19 Apr. 2024
Jackson would argue he’s been an underdog his entire career.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 17 Apr. 2024
The underdogs still survived, but another team with a Wisconsin connection did not.
—Journal Sentinel, 17 Apr. 2024
Saint Mary’s has won three 15-man national championships over the past decade but still views itself as an underdog when compared to its Berkeley neighbor, which has won 24 national titles under legendary coach Jack Clark.
—Joseph Dycus, The Mercury News, 9 Apr. 2024
In an interview, Sheridan lamented the lack of productivity in the current Congress, attacked former President Donald Trump and pitched himself as an underdog.
—Lawrence Andrea, Journal Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2024
Alana Semuels, TIME, 28 Apr. 2024
But in a way, rock music has always been underground and the underdog, as far as what goes on in the pop world.
—Eric Renner Brown, Billboard, 24 Apr. 2024
In comedy, a form built on underdog relatability and the cathartic pleasures of both self-deprecation and punching up, being gorgeous can be a professional liability.
—Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 23 Apr. 2024
Everyone loves a good underdog story, a redemption arc, and a hero who deserves more limelight.
—Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 19 Apr. 2024
Jackson would argue he’s been an underdog his entire career.
—Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 17 Apr. 2024
The underdogs still survived, but another team with a Wisconsin connection did not.
—Journal Sentinel, 17 Apr. 2024
Saint Mary’s has won three 15-man national championships over the past decade but still views itself as an underdog when compared to its Berkeley neighbor, which has won 24 national titles under legendary coach Jack Clark.
—Joseph Dycus, The Mercury News, 9 Apr. 2024
In an interview, Sheridan lamented the lack of productivity in the current Congress, attacked former President Donald Trump and pitched himself as an underdog.
—Lawrence Andrea, Journal Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'underdog.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Underdog.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underdog. Accessed 1 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
underdog
noun
un·der·dog
ˈən-dər-ˌdȯg
: the loser or predicted loser in a struggle
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