underdog

American  

[uhn-der-dawg, -dog] / ˈʌn dərˌdɔg, -ˌdɒg /

noun

1. a person who is expected to lose in a contest or conflict.

2. a victim of social or political injustice.

   The underdogs were beginning to organize their protests.

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underdog British  

/ ˈʌndəˌdɒɡ /

noun

1. the competitor least likely to win a fight or contest

2. a person in adversity or in a position of inferiority

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Etymology

Origin of underdog

1875–80, under- + dog ( def. )

Example Sentences

For many, he represents an underdog spirit inherent to working-class communities.

From Los Angeles Times

And they were underdogs in each of the two upsets they had to pull off to reach the semifinals.

From The Wall Street Journal

But if Searle is the underdog against the teenage prodigy, then he at least has a history of triumphing over adversity.

From BBC

While Alabama may be fueled by external criticism and its underdog role, the team is spending its last stretch before the Rose Bowl focused on blocking out outside noise and embracing its internal standard.

From Los Angeles Times

One goes to see a show like “Wonder”—as with “Dear Evan Hansen”—to cheer for the underdog, well knowing that, cheers or no, he’s going to be OK.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• dark horse
• longshot