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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The only chance the home underdogs have is if Fields runs wild, but the Panthers have stopped QBs for no gain or a loss on 44 percent of their rushes, sixth best in the NFL. Vic Tafur, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025 Republicans are the underdogs in citywide elections, too. Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2025 Before Game 1, Murphy continued to harp on how his team was a heavy underdog, noting that the Dodgers' players probably can't even name most of his players. Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025 Despite the Brewers being considered underdogs, supporters expressed strong confidence and belief in their team's ability to win. Ricardo Torres, jsonline.com, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for underdog

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of underdog was in 1859

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Underdog.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underdog. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

underdog

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

More from Merriam-Webster on underdog

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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