noun Uncommon

underdog

UHN-duh-dog

Underdog (noun) means a competitor who is expected to lose. Example: “The underdog shocked everyone by winning the championship.”

noun

A competitor who is expected to lose.

"The underdog shocked everyone by winning the championship."

"Fans always love cheering for the underdog."

How to Use Underdog

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe one nobody expects to win.

Common pairings

root for the underdog underdog story

underdogs plural

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Can you complete this real example?

The _____ shocked everyone by winning the championship.

From under- + dog, originally likening the loser to the dog that ends up pinned beneath its opponent in a fight.

favourite favorite sure bet safe bet top dog shoo-in

popular Favorite favor favourite preferred darling idol favourable

What does “underdog” mean?

The word “underdog” means a competitor who is expected to lose. In plain terms, the one nobody expects to win.

How do you pronounce “underdog”?

“Underdog” is pronounced UHN-duh-dog (/ˈʌndɚˌdɔɡ/ in IPA).

How do you use “underdog” in a sentence?

Here is “underdog” used in a sentence: “The underdog shocked everyone by winning the championship.”

What is the opposite of “underdog”?

The opposite of “underdog” — its antonyms — are favourite, favorite, sure bet, safe bet and top dog.

What part of speech is “underdog”?

“Underdog” is a noun.

Is “underdog” a common word?

“Underdog” is an uncommon word in modern English.

Vocabulary lists that include underdog:

popular Favorite favor favourite preferred darling idol favourable