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underdog

[uhn-der-dawg, -dog] / ˈʌn dərˌdɔg, -ˌdɒg /
NOUN
unlikely winner in a contest or struggle
Synonyms
Antonyms


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.

By 1999, King had been awarded an MBE for services to music as the Mobos grew from scrappy underdog to music industry fixture, holding its own against the long-established Brit Awards.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026

“The underdog stayed in the fight,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 3, 2026

The Trade Desk TTD 4.42%increase; green up pointing triangle carved out a niche as a fast-growing underdog that could take on Google in the digital-ad space.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

Plus, California studies AI job losses, Anthropic’s revenue soars and Nvidia plays the role of $5 trillion underdog.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

He identified with the little guy and the underdog without ever exactly being one himself.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis




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