Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for underdog. Search instead for underdogen.
Definitions

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.

It feels fitting that an underdog who uses what some consider unorthodox methods was last man standing at a slugfest of a US PGA Championship held in Rocky Balboa's backyard.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

Newspapers, magazines, radio, television, podcasts - all wanting a piece of the underdog threatening world football's greatest duopoly.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

James has never been a bigger underdog in a playoff game, according to Yahoo Sports.

From Los Angeles Times • May 3, 2026

Elon Musk’s trial against OpenAI begins Monday, with legal experts and Kalshi’s prediction market agreeing he’s an underdog in the case.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026

I didn’t go out on the strip overconfident, because I knew Cecilia would be a tough opponent and I had just proved in my last bout that the underdog can win.

From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad




Vocabulary lists containing underdog


Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "underdog" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com