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

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

As a detective, he’s a superhero, with keen powers of observation, but as a person, he’s the hangdog underdog, the little guy, upon whom his foes look with disdain.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 7, 2023

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

He is of medium height, lean, with slightly shaggy dark hair, a mustache, and a little bit of a hangdog expression.

From "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell