Meaning & Definition of word "Underdog"

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.