Underdog
ˈʌndərˌdɔɡ
Definitions
2 meaningsA person, team, or thing that is expected to lose in a contest or competition.
ˈʌndərˌdɔɡ
A competitor who is unlikely to win a competition.
Despite being the underdog, the team put up a valiant fight.
💡 Simply: Imagine two teams playing a game. The underdog is the team everyone thinks will lose, but they might surprise you!
👶 For kids: A kid who is not expected to win a game or race.
More Examples
He's often portrayed as the underdog in his movies.
The underdog story is always inspiring.
How It's Used
"The team was considered the underdog going into the championship game."
"The underdog candidate surprised everyone by winning the election."
"The small startup was an underdog against the established corporation."
Relating to or characteristic of a person, team, or thing that is expected to lose in a contest or competition.
ˈʌndərˌdɔɡ
Relating to or characteristic of an underdog.
The underdog team played their hearts out.
💡 Simply: Describes something about a team that is unlikely to win.
👶 For kids: If something is underdog, it means it's probably going to lose.
More Examples
It was an underdog victory against all odds.
His underdog status made his win even sweeter.
How It's Used
"The film told an underdog story of perseverance."
Idioms & expressions
every dog has its day
Even an underdog will eventually experience success or good fortune.
"After years of struggling, the small business owner finally had a breakthrough, proving that every dog has its day."
From the phrase 'under the dog,' referring to the dog at the bottom in a fight or competition, implying a weaker or less favored position. The term originated in the late 19th century.
The term gained traction in the late 19th century, often used in sports and political contexts to describe someone or something less favored to win.
Memory tip
Think of the dog being literally under the other dog – the one at a disadvantage.