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.
In 2018, his decision to back DeSantis for governor helped propel the then-congressman to victory as an underdog in a competitive Republican primary. Miami Herald Staff, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2025 Even when thriving, great leaders think like underdogs. Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025 Chile has sometimes felt like the underdog or underappreciated country. Bryce Miller, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Feb. 2025 But the reality is Lively and Reynolds are locked in a battle in which both sides see themselves as the aggrieved underdog. Peter Kiefer, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Feb. 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 1 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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