underdog
noun
un·der·dog
ˈən-dər-ˌdȯg 
1
: a loser or predicted loser in a struggle or contest
2
: a victim of injustice or persecution
Examples of underdog in a Sentence
I always root for the underdog instead of the favorite.
As a lawyer, she consistently represented the underdog.
Recent Examples on the Web
Even more effective if the movie centers on a disadvantaged protagonist, either economically or physically, to inject that underdog spirit.
—
David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Sep. 2024
Now don’t get upset Michigan State is a 9 1/2-point underdog Saturday at Maryland, according to BetMGM Sportsbook.
—Eric Olson, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2024
Some clients target particular demographics by patching players from certain countries, while others may prefer the heaviest underdogs, or players with larger social media followings.
—Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 4 Sep. 2024
But finally, at the age of 60, EJ receives her first opportunity to become a college head coach and lead an underdog team of young women in west Texas.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 30 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for underdog 
David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Sep. 2024
Now don’t get upset Michigan State is a 9 1/2-point underdog Saturday at Maryland, according to BetMGM Sportsbook.
—Eric Olson, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2024
Some clients target particular demographics by patching players from certain countries, while others may prefer the heaviest underdogs, or players with larger social media followings.
—Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 4 Sep. 2024
But finally, at the age of 60, EJ receives her first opportunity to become a college head coach and lead an underdog team of young women in west Texas.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 30 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for underdog
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'underdog.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Underdog.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/underdog. Accessed 20 Sep. 2024.
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underdog
noun
un·der·dog
ˈən-dər-ˌdȯg
: the loser or predicted loser in a struggle
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