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

“Last year I was the underdog — nobody knew who I was,” she recalled.

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Ms. Erivo continues to be appealing as her underdog opposite, the vulnerable rebel.

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"Wales have always been massive underdogs in any kind of international Test match against a team like New Zealand," said Lake.

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Our media framed his victory as an “underdog success,” implicitly contrasting it with Korea’s rigid two-party system, where far-left candidates rarely stand a chance.

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A rare November storm dumped continuous gallons of rain on players and fans Friday night across Southern California, creating opportunities for underdogs in the quarterfinals of the high school football playoffs.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dark horse 
• longshot www.thesaurus.com