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.
Evans is all scrappy underdog energy as John, a struggling actor still holding a fire for Lucy even after their nasty breakup. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 13 June 2025 In 2002, the United States advanced as a heavy underdog to a quarterfinal match, its best modern finish at a World Cup. Ryan Canfield , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 12 June 2025 Brunner makes for a magnetic center to the story, her Elle an easy-to-root-for underdog with an effervescent aura, a sweet voice and a chihuahua in tow. Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 11 June 2025 The Nuggets played the underdog card as if Michael Malone, a terrier of a man who loved punching up, had never left. Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 9 June 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Underdog.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underdog. Accessed 19 Jun. 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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