underdogs

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.

The Lakers know they’re considered major underdogs heading into their playoff matchup against Oklahoma City, but they’re focused on winning the series.

From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2026

Even if they finish off the Rockets in a sweep — and this series is already over considering NBA teams are 159-0 with a 3-0 lead — they will be considerable underdogs moving forward.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2026

It isn’t clear why traders are spending their money on extreme underdogs and ineligible candidates, and the pattern is seemingly at odds with Polymarket CEO and founder Shayne Coplan’s stated purpose for the market.

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

GB currently has four players inside the world's top 100, but the absence of Emma Raducanu, Kartal, Katie Boulter and Fran Jones makes them heavy underdogs for the tie.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

Having so recently been one of the underdogs of the savannah, we are full of fears and anxieties over our position, which makes us doubly cruel and dangerous.

From "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari