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.
Germany will go into their semi-final against Spain on Wednesday in Zurich as the underdogs. Michael Cox, New York Times, 20 July 2025 The Spartans are a not-overly-risky bet to win the Big Ten’s first NCAA hockey title since an underdog Spartans team did it in 2007. Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 14 July 2025 Whereas this challenge usually serves to introduce (or reintroduce) queens and allow an underdog to surprise us while expected heavy hitters bore us, All Stars 10 seems to have deployed it to separate those who can win from those who can’t. Chris Feil, Vulture, 11 July 2025 Real Madrid, however, are tempting underdogs thanks to their remarkable recent track record in knockout competition. Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 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 25 Jul. 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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