underdog

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.

Apple has come a long way from its days as a scrappy underdog in the personal-computing world.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

UConn’s upset means bettors who put money on the underdog will receive a larger payout.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

The men’s Huskies are heavies, too, though a slight underdog Saturday against No. 3 seed Illinois.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

The current race similarly features a political heavyweight, a wealthy businessman with a substantial advertising presence, and underdog candidates defying expectations about their viability.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

Because the disease was crippling, it may have provided Roosevelt with a greater compassion for the underdog; or perhaps it improved his striving for success.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan