Underdog

/ˈʌndərˌdɔg/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A competitor who is expected to lose a contest or a person who is at a disadvantage.
In the championship game, the small-town team was seen as the underdog against the heavily favored city team.
A person or group that is disadvantaged or oppressed, especially in a situation that would typically favor others.
She always roots for the underdog in movies because she loves to see them triumph against the odds.
A person or a team that is not expected to win but has a chance of success through effort or determination.
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

Slang Meanings

The unexpected winner in a contest.
That team was such an underdog, I can't believe they took the trophy!
A person or group that faces adversity but continues to fight.
She's the underdog of our organization, always pushing through the challenges.