underdog

noun

Definition of underdognext
as in loser

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of underdog Who wouldn’t be moved by the heroic performances of underdog countries against the game’s traditional powers, such as tiny Cape Verde and ancient Egypt? — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026 More than 100 matches, six rounds of game play, multiple underdog stories and one exciting championship match have officially brought the FIFA 2026 World Cup to an end. — Irene Wright, USA Today, 20 July 2026 The Open Championship in 2026 just crowned its Champion Golfer of the Year, a surprising underdog win from Ryan Fox. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2026 Being an underdog in entertainment kind of just felt like being underwater. — Marissa R. Moss, Rolling Stone, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for underdog
Recent Examples of Synonyms for underdog
loser
Noun
  • No longer football’s famous losers, Newcastle’s identity was now blurred.
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 30 July 2026
  • Winners and losers in the shifting tax landscape Critics say the trend toward lower income taxes favors wealthy individuals and corporations and imperils public investments in infrastructure, housing, education and childcare.
    — Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 30 July 2026
Definition of loser

Browse Nearby Words

underdiagnosing
underdog
underdogs
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Underdog.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/underdog. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on underdog

Nglish: Translation of underdog for Spanish Speakers

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!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

The Words of the Week - Jul. 31

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All