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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.

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So nothing against your beloved, but I would be excited to see an underdog or somebody kind of an outsider.

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 20, 2026

He’ll respond like an underdog boxer delivering a knockout punch.

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 11, 2026

"He came in there as a big underdog after fighting relatively at a lower level up until now, but he really showed that he can operate at a higher level. Huge credit to him."

From BBC Aug. 2, 2026

The new format, expanding team participation from 32 to 48, has brought to center stage smaller, underdog countries that have outperformed expectations, produced unexpected heroes and warmed our collective hearts.

From Salon Jul. 18, 2026

Did having Arnold as understudy make Froelich feel like an underdog?

From "The View From Saturday" by E.L. Konigsburg

A recommitment to the outcasts, the overlooked, the underdogs of society.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 28, 2026

Spain started their campaign with a goalless draw against underdogs Cape Verde, although they have reached the quarter-finals without conceding a goal.

From BBC Jul. 10, 2026

The likelihood of Morocco, ranked the sixth best international side in the world, being held or beaten on the back of big breaks going the way of the underdogs is a dream too far.

From BBC Jun. 19, 2026

The players he signed to free-agent contracts or traded for were underdogs, outcasts and second-fiddles.

From The Wall Street Journal Jun. 15, 2026

The British had the best uniforms and the shiny new guns, but there was something exciting about the Patriots—being underdogs and fighting off the mighty British army.

From "My Brother Sam is Dead" by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier




Vocabulary lists containing underdog


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