hangdog

American  

[hang-dawg, -dog] / ˈhæŋˌdɔg, -ˌdɒg /

adjective

1. shamefaced; guilty.

   He sneaked out of the room with a hangdog expression.

   Synonyms:

   contrite , sheepish , ashamed

2. browbeaten; defeated; intimidated.

   He always went about with a hangdog look.

   Synonyms:

   crestfallen , wretched

   Antonyms

   assured , confident

3. suitable to a degraded or contemptible person; sneaky; furtive.

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noun

1. a degraded, contemptible person.

hangdog British  

/ ˈhæŋˌdɒɡ /

adjective

1. downcast, furtive, or guilty in appearance or manner

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noun

1. a furtive or sneaky person

Etymology

Origin of hangdog

First recorded in 1670–80; hang + dog

Example Sentences

There are many scenes where Robinson abandons his jittery schtick to allow Ron’s frustration and hangdog fatigue with his life to guide them, anchoring the absurdity in Robinson’s naturalistic charm.

From Salon

“The Lowdown” tames Lee’s mania for his cause through the barely obscured current of hangdog defeat weakly powering his personal life.

From Salon

‘THE OUTLAWS’ Prime Video Gangly, gawky Stephen Merchant puts his physicality and hangdog persona to fine use in this British crime comedy.

From Los Angeles Times

“Please, don’t make me talk so much,” he said recently, in a low register, his hangdog eyes pleading with the universe.

From New York Times

As a detective, he’s a superhero, with keen powers of observation, but as a person, he’s the hangdog underdog, the little guy, upon whom his foes look with disdain.

From Los Angeles Times