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.
Americana, underdog heroism, and high-octane action to tell a big, fun, family story as bold as Bigfoot itself. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 23 Sep. 2025 Murray brought Lucas, the soulful underdog of One Tree Hill, to life. Alexandra Schonfeld, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2025 Along with goalie Shealyn Murphy’s shutout through the first 38 minutes, those underdogs proved their status. Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 22 Sep. 2025 But from a financial standpoint, vaccines have always been a bit of an underdog for pharmaceutical companies. Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 18 Sep. 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 30 Sep. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!