underdog

[uhn-der-dawg, -dog]

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.

underdog

/ ˈʌndəˌdɒɡ /

noun

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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of underdog¹

1875–80, under- + dog ( def. )

Example Sentences

The federal public defender for Southern California is in charge of a unit that’s always underfunded and perpetually an underdog against the might and resources of the government.

From Los Angeles Times

Nate says it was an "unconventional choice", but key to the story the developers wanted to tell of an underdog defying society's expectations.

From BBC

Nurmagomedov, who was making the third defence of his belt, represented a step up in difficulty but Hughes impressed throughout as he embraced the underdog tag.

From BBC

"He said, 'don't go into this final as underdogs, you want to attack from the front'," recalls Sawyer.

From BBC

However, both Union Saint-Gilloise and their captain will be ready for their home debut in the competition even if they go in as underdogs when they host Premier League heavyweights Newcastle United on 1 October.

From BBC

Related Words

• dark horse 
• longshot www.thesaurus.com