hangdog

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

There are many scenes where Robinson abandons his jittery schtick to allow Ron’s frustration and hangdog fatigue with his life to guide them, anchoring the absurdity in Robinson’s naturalistic charm.

From Salon • Oct. 13, 2025

Once he starts singing his own material, he becomes a bona fide rock star — a moody Elvis who straddles rock, country, folk and pop with a hangdog bravura.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 11, 2025

A four-star review from The Telegraph praised McKellen, and said his performance "stirs the soul" as he plunges "from sackswilling, swaggering cheer to hangdog melancholy".

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2024

And again, Sandler channels a hangdog torpor, almost a melancholic air, in a performance that bristles with comic realism.

From New York Times • Mar. 31, 2023

The hangdog look left his eyes, and the hunch went out of his shoulders.

From "The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm" by Nancy Farmer