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Underdog Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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underdog

[หˆสŒndษ™หŒdรดษก ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

sports

A competitor thought to have little chance of winning a competition or contest.

Synonyms

dark horse, long shot, outsider.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
underdog

This term is commonly used in sports, competitions, or any challenging situation where a person or team is expected to lose because they are at a disadvantage.

  • Despite being the underdog, the team managed to win the championship
  • People love to root for the underdog in movies
outsider

This term is applicable in contexts where a person or group is not considered part of a particular group or community, or where they are not favored to win in a competition.

  • He always felt like an outsider in his new school
  • The company was seen as an outsider in the industry, but it eventually became a major player
dark horse

This term is often used in contexts such as politics, competitions, or elections to refer to a candidate or competitor who is not well-known but has the potential to succeed unexpectedly.

  • She started as a dark horse in the election but ended up winning by a large margin
  • No one expected the dark horse to win the race
long shot

This term is usually employed in situations where the probability of success is very low. It can be used in gambling, investments, or any scenario where the odds are against the person or team.

  • It's a long shot, but we might still have a chance if everything goes perfectly
  • Investing in that startup is a long shot, but it could pay off big

Examples of usage

  • The underdog team managed to pull off a surprising victory.
  • She always roots for the underdog in every match.
Context #2 | Noun

general

A person or group that is expected to lose in a conflict or struggle.

Synonyms

loser, oppressed, victim.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
underdog

Use this word when referring to someone or a team that is not expected to win, typically in a competitive scenario, but who has the potential to succeed against the odds.

  • Many people root for the underdog because it feels great to see someone unexpected win
victim

Refers to someone who has suffered harm, injury, or loss, often through crime, accident, or other unfortunate circumstances.

  • Victims of the earthquake are receiving aid from international organizations
loser

This term has a negative connotation and is often used to describe someone who fails habitually or is unsuccessful in life or specific situations. Be careful as it can be insulting.

  • He felt like a loser after his startup failed for the third time
oppressed

This word is used to describe individuals or groups who face systemic and prolonged unfair treatment, typically from those in power.

  • The oppressed communities have been fighting for equal rights for decades

Examples of usage

  • Despite being the underdog, he fought bravely till the end.
  • The underdog in the election surprised everyone by coming out on top.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'underdog'

The term 'underdog' dates back to the mid-19th century and is derived from the notion of a dog being the weaker party in a fight or contest. The prefix 'under-' implies being at a disadvantage or beneath others, while 'dog' represents the weaker or less dominant party. Over time, the term has evolved to symbolize anyone at a disadvantage or expected to lose, particularly in sports or competitive situations.

See also: dog, doggedly, doggy, doghouse, dogma, dogmatic, dogs.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,597, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.