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.
The only underdog of more than 9 points is Creighton in its battle with Auburn, and every other favorite is laying 6.5 points or fewer as of Saturday morning. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025 Context: That win earned them a 12th seed in the men's NCAA tournament — but don't let that number fool you, this is far from a Cinderella team, or even an underdog, DNVR Rams reporter Justin Michael tells us. Esteban L. Hernandez, Axios, 21 Mar. 2025 The company will look to champion projects across film, television, and theater, highlighting underdogs and marginalized communities. Greg Evans, Deadline, 21 Mar. 2025 If the Jayhawks beat Arkansas, KU will likely be an underdog the rest of the way. Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 20 Mar. 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 31 Mar. 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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