underdog

[ˈʌndərdɒɡ]

underdog Definition

  • 1a person or group of people with less power, money, or resources than the rest of society, who are expected to lose in a competition or struggle
  • 2a competitor thought to have little chance of winning a fight or contest

Using underdog: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "underdog" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The underdog team won the championship against all odds.

  • Example

    As an underdog in the election, he managed to win the hearts of many voters.

  • Example

    The movie tells the story of an underdog boxer who becomes a champion.

  • Example

    She always roots for the underdog in any competition.

underdog Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for underdog

Antonyms for underdog

Phrases with underdog

  • to support or cheer for the person or team that is expected to lose

    Example

    I always root for the underdog in any competition.

  • to win a competition after being behind for most of it

    Example

    The underdog team came from behind and won the game in the last minute.

  • David and Goliath

    a situation where a small or weak person or group defeats a much larger or stronger opponent

    Example

    The victory of the underdog team was like a David and Goliath story.

Origins of underdog

from 'under' + 'dog', meaning 'an inferior or unfortunate person or thing'

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Summary: underdog in Brief

The term 'underdog' [ˈʌndərdɒɡ] refers to a person or group with less power, money, or resources than the rest of society, who are expected to lose in a competition or struggle. It can also refer to a competitor thought to have little chance of winning a fight or contest. Phrases like 'root for the underdog' and 'come from behind' highlight the support and potential for unexpected success of underdogs.

How do native speakers use this expression?