Meaning & Definition of word "Underdog"
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Underdog
/ˈʌndərˌdɔg/
noun:
- 1. A competitor who is expected to lose a contest or a person who is at a disadvantage.
- Example: In the championship game, the small-town team was seen as the underdog against the heavily favored city team.
- 2. A person or group that is disadvantaged or oppressed, especially in a situation that would typically favor others.
- Example: She always roots for the underdog in movies because she loves to see them triumph against the odds.
- 3. A person or a team that is not expected to win but has a chance of success through effort or determination.
- Example: The underdog politician surprised everyone by winning the election despite having very little funding.
Etymology
The term underdog originally referred to the dog that was losing in a fight.
Common Phrases and Expressions
underdog story:
A narrative of a person or group overcoming the odds.
cheer for the underdog:
To support someone who is supposed to fail.
root for the underdog:
To express hope or support for a competitor with less chance of success.
Related Words
champion:
A winner, particularly in competitions.
victor:
A person who defeats an enemy or opponent in battle, game, or other contest.
favorite:
A contestant likely to win based on prior performance.
Slang Meanings of underdog
Meaning: The unexpected winner in a contest.
Example Sentence: That team was such an underdog, I can't believe they took the trophy!
Meaning: A person or group that faces adversity but continues to fight.
Example Sentence: She's the underdog of our organization, always pushing through the challenges.