underdog

noun

un·​der·​dog ˈən-dər-ˌdȯg How to pronounce underdog (audio)
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 Bennett said, referring to underdogs who advanced to the 2023 Final Four. Jeff Faraudo, The Mercury News, 17 Mar. 2024 Whoever compiled the video did not even need to mention the victory by a Colombian minnow, Once Caldas, in the Copa Libertadores to declare that 2004 had been a year for the underdog. Rory Smith, New York Times, 15 Mar. 2024 That, combined with the one-hit kill mechanic (lifted from PlayStation classic Bushido Blade) means that there are no complex moves to learn that divide player skill, and one mistake or conscious decision to double team someone can turn the tide for the underdogs. Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 13 Mar. 2024 While Dune is an underdog epic, Messiah is Paul striving to keep his house in order and wrestling with his status and legacy as a god-like being. James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Mar. 2024 Haley's underdog bid faces critical choice The former South Carolina governor faces a moment that everyone knew was coming. Phillip M. Bailey, USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 2024 The payouts are typically far less, even when betting on an extreme underdog. Brian Murphy, Charlotte Observer, 29 Feb. 2024 Biden’s self-mythology took shape around the figure of the underdog. Evan Osnos, The New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2024 Wins by the underdogs in any of those games would have NCAA Tournament ramifications since Arizona, Washington State and Washington are on the bubble (per ESPN). Jeff Metcalfe, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 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.

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of underdog was in 1859

Dictionary Entries Near underdog

Cite this Entry

“Underdog.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underdog. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

underdog

noun
un·​der·​dog ˈən-dər-ˌdȯg How to pronounce underdog (audio)
: the loser or predicted loser in a struggle
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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