# underdog

/ˈəndɝˌdɔɡ/ (US) · /ˌʌndədˈɒɡ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/underdog
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

a person or team that is expected to lose a competition or struggle. People often support them because it is exciting to see them win against the odds.

For teachers: a competitor thought to have little chance of winning a fight or contest. Often used to describe a person or group in a position of disadvantage within a social or political struggle.

## Examples

- The local team was the underdog in the final match.
- Despite being the underdog in the election, the young candidate won by a surprising margin.
- The film follows the classic narrative of a determined underdog who overcomes systemic obstacles to achieve victory against a much more powerful opponent.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used with the definite article ('the underdog') when referring to the general concept of the disadvantaged party.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.