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.

“The Lowdown” tames Lee’s mania for his cause through the barely obscured current of hangdog defeat weakly powering his personal life.

From Salon • Sep. 23, 2025

“Please, don’t make me talk so much,” he said recently, in a low register, his hangdog eyes pleading with the universe.

From New York Times • Jan. 7, 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

Dressed in a blue blazer, Mr Cohen had ditched the tie but kept his signature hangdog expression and thick Long Island accent.

From BBC • Oct. 24, 2023

They’re older, and they have the hangdog look I associate with the folks who came up enslaved, who never knew a taste of freedom until it was too late for them to properly embrace it.

From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland