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

UConn’s upset means bettors who put money on the underdog will receive a larger payout.

From Barron's

The men’s Huskies are heavies, too, though a slight underdog Saturday against No. 3 seed Illinois.

From The Wall Street Journal

Gray Davis was a huge underdog who prevailed in a wide-open 1998 contest.

From Los Angeles Times

The team’s struggles made them beloved by those who identified with underdogs.

From The Wall Street Journal

The team’s struggles made them beloved by those who identified with underdogs.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• dark horse
• longshot