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.
In Season 2, Williams’ character, Kimmie, is no longer the underdog. Okla Jones, Essence, 22 Oct. 2025 The song had an aggressive, staccato beat and vocal delivery; the general theme was Michael as an oppressed underdog fighting back. Dan Beck, Variety, 21 Oct. 2025 Created by and starring Stallone as underdog boxer Rocky Balboa, the franchise launched in 1976 with the original film winning Best Picture at the Academy Awards. Tom Tapp, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2025 As long as Pavia and Lea are around, Vanderbilt has a chance to continue their underdog run in the SEC. Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 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

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Cite this Entry

“Underdog.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underdog. Accessed 23 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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