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

“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

The hangdog expression he habitually wears he describes as “resting dead wife face.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 27, 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