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

The premium deodorant body spray and fragrance company AXE has just unveiled its latest campaign with daring comedian and actor Pete Davidson, bringing his trademark wit, authenticity, and underdog charm to the brand’s mission of helping guys feel their best. —Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025

The Pistons entered this series as the underdog, and that remains the case through three games. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025

But the Saints thought otherwise, and pulled the trigger on the underdog Shough with a hole at quarterback going into the 2025. —Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2025

After falling into a 2-0 hole in Boston, the underdog Magic refused to fold. —Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for underdog

• analog
• analogue
• catalogue
• decalogue
• demagogue
• dialogue
• epilogue
• homologue
• monologue
• pedagogue
• synagogue
• tagalog

Kids Definition

underdog

noun

un·​der·​dog ˈən-dər-ˌdȯg 

: the loser or predicted loser in a struggle