hangdog

1 of 2

adjective

hang·​dog ˈhaŋ-ˌdȯg 

1

: sad, dejected entry 1

2

: sheepish

hangdog

2 of 2

noun

: a despicable or miserable person

Synonyms of hangdog

Adjective

• sad
• depressed
• unhappy
• heartbroken
• miserable
• melancholy
• bad
• sorry
• woebegone
• mournful
• upset

Examples of hangdog in a Sentence

Adjective

He came home with a hangdog expression on his face.

“Why do you look so hangdog today?” she asked

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The Movie finds its titular alpha wolf Scott McCall (Tyler Posey) a teenager no more, but still struggling with the same hangdog loneliness. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 26 Jan. 2023

Like the rest of his teammates, fifth-year linebacker DeMarvion Overshown made certain to spin around and soak in the scene as hangdog Sooners fans emptied out of their half of the stadium with a full quarter to go. — Nick Moyle, San Antonio Express-News, 12 Oct. 2022

Noun

There’s a certain wavelength of hangdog humor that denizens of the former Soviet Republics seem able to tune into at will, and Georgian director Levan Koguashvili more than most. — Jessica Kiang, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026

Coyote is influenced by the siren song of veritable ambulance-chasing lawyer Kevin Avery (Will Forte, being characteristically very funny and exceedingly hangdog), who specializes in small claims against Acme. — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 12 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1677, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1687, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hangdog

• agog
• backlog
• bulldog
• bullfrog
• eclogue
• eggnog
• groundhog
• hedgehog
• leapfrog
• prolog
• sheepdog
• watchdog

Kids Definition

hangdog

adjective

hang·​dog

ˈhaŋ-ˌdȯg

1

: ashamed sense 1, guilty

a hangdog look

2

: dejected, cowed