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
1
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 notesIn plain EnglishThe one nobody expects to win.
Common pairings
root for the underdog
underdog story
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Word forms
- Plural
- underdogs
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ shocked everyone by winning the championship.
Etymology
From under- + dog, originally likening the loser to the dog that ends up pinned beneath its opponent in a fight.
Related words
Frequently asked questions
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.
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